February
Festival
Sundiata: African-American Celebration
Celebrating 25 years at Seattle Center, Festival
Sundiata is the most comprehensive African and Black
American cultural event in the city. Each February,
traditional drumming and dance set a rhythmic tone for
two days of continuous live entertainment, while an
impressive line-up of Northwest artists take jazz,
rap, gospel, Hop-Hop, R&B and traditional African
styles to new heights. Named to celebrate the West
African Mansa (king of kings) of the Mali Empire, who
rescued the Griot -- his people's storyteller and
tribal historian -- Festival Sundiata is a powerful
representation of diverse cultural traditions, kept
vibrant and current through dynamic creative
expression. Music, visual art (including a children's
exhibit depicting the Griot), hands-on children's
activities and the UJAAMA cooperative marketplace with
crafts and imported items, create a collective and
comprehensive picture of the African and
African-American journey. This outstanding
African-American cultural arts celebration is produced
by the Sundiata African American Cultural Association
and Seattle Center's Festal.

+++++

March
Port
Townsend Victorian Festival. Nestled
in the Northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula at
the entrance to Puget Sound is beautiful Port
Townsend, our historic Victorian Seaport and Arts
Community. Come to the Victorian Festival and plan to
stay a few days, partaking of the Festival fun and the
limitless opportunities for exploration of historic
sites and natural wonders all over the Peninsula. The
city enjoys a unique place on the National Historic
Register. One of only three such ports on the entire
coastline of the United States, Port Townsend is known
for its Victorian era architecture, breathtaking
bayside harbor location and a wide variety of outdoor
activities. Both marine and forest environments await.
The Jefferson County Historical Society proudly
presents our 10th annual VICTORIAN FESTIVAL. The
entire town becomes a festival venue, with activities
and presentations for the young and the young at
heart; visitor and resident.

March
Basset
Bash & Brigade. Part of the Celebrate
Woodinville celebration. On April Fools’ Day, in a
town called Woodinville, Washington, the howling,
rooing, and wolfing begins at day break. Hounds hurry
past. Sidewalks crowd with folks. Jazzy music
fills the streets. Kids on bikes pass out candy. The
All Fools’ Day parade begins. First come tumblers,
unicycles, and marching bands, and then comes the
Basset Brigade. Bassets waddle. Bassets swing. Up and
down the main street, Bassets sing. Bassets march down
the street (and their people, too). Hounds wag fat
tails. Hula hounds, Basset butterflies, jester dogs
and more join the parade. And one question is on
everyone’s mind. Who will be King and Queen of All
Fools’ Day? Let’s head over to the Basset Bash and
find out which hounds win. Roll out the blankets and
open the picnic baskets. Bags of dog food, doggie
sweaters and rosette ribbons are handed out to the dog
with the best howl, the longest ears, the most
freckles, and the most foolish human. And there you
have it, folks, Woodinville's Basset Bash &
Brigade. Woof it up! Hand out the chocolate dog bones.
Waddle away. See you next year on April Fools’ Day.
See also Celebrate
Woodinville

March
Driftwood
Show and Artisan Fair. Held at Grayland, Grays
Harbor County, this is a beachcombers delight where
non-professional adults and children can enter their
beach-combed art forms contests. There are 22
divisions to enter Driftwood, Flotsam, Jetsam, and
Photography (coastal scenes). The rules say exhibitors
may enter one item in each division. Examples of the
divisions are finished or natural driftwood, carvings
on driftwood and floral arrangements on driftwood.
Ribbons and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
will be presented to the winners in each division. You
can start the day off with a South Beach Christian
Outreach Pancake Breakfast. and then move right along
with the flow of festivities.

March
Washington
State Science and Engineering Fair. To be Held at
Olympic College in Bremerton, the Washington State
Science and Engineering fair is open to all Washington
State students in grades 1 through 12 of public,
private, and parochial, or certified home schools.
Kindergarten students may enter as first grade
students. Come and let your mind be expanded.

March
Irish
Week Festival Held every March. There is
much in common between Seattle and Ireland, in
addition to the fact that Seattle and Galway are
Sister Cities. The Irish community in Seattle has
always celebrated St. Patrick's day, and this
exuberant 2-day festival is committed to bringing
authentic Irish culture to the community at large in
order to foster a better understanding of Ireland and
its people. The annual Irish Week Festival aims to
create the Irish experience for immigrants and friends
of the Irish alike. Irish dignitaries, visiting
artists and a parade cap the event, while local folk
participate in workshops and contests, hear lectures
and watch films, try their skill at Irish step dancing
and join in singalongs, search their ancestry, view
cultural displays and tap their toes to lively Irish
music and dance. The Irish Week Festival is produced
by The Irish Heritage Club and Seattle Center's
Festal.

+++++

April
Junior
Daffodil Parade Held in April, the Daffodil
Festival Junior Parade is a prelude to Tacoma's Grand
Floral Street Parade. The Junior Daffodil Festival is
a community event that is hosted by the Proctor
District of Tacoma and is geared to children to
encourage fun and creativity for the young people of
the area. Costumes, pets, music and non-motorized
floats make this parade a special event.

April
Daffodil
Festival - Grand Floral Street Parade. Held in
April, the Daffodil Festival is one of the nation's
top 10 floral festivals, celebrating spring and the
area's colorful commercial bulb fields. The parade
begins in Tacoma, then travels through the four cities
of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting and consists of
approximately 40 float entries and over 80-some other
entries, including bands, marching and mounted units,
classic automobiles and precision drill teams. The
Grand Floral Street Parade is the highlight of
Festival Week. 2010 marked the festival's 77th
year.

April
Daffodil
Festival - Daffodil
Marine Regatta. Held on the heels of
Tacoma's Grand Floral Street parade, Tacoma's Daffodil
Marine Regatta is a tradition that began more than 50
years ago. At the conclusion of the Daffodil Parade,
flowers are removed from parade floats and vehicles
and then taken to the Tacoma yacht Club where members
would decorate vessels and boats and parade up and
down the Ruston waterfront. It is not unusual to see
more than 150 boats participating in what has become
one of the regions largest marine regattas.

April
Puyallup
Spring Fair. The Puyallup Fair (officially known
as the Western Washington Fair) is the largest single
attraction held annually in the state of Washington.
The Fair continually ranks in the top ten largest
fairs in the world. The Western Washington Fair
Association hosts two annual events, the 17-day
Puyallup Fair every September, and the four-day
Puyallup Spring Fair every April. Situated south of
Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic
Mount Rainier, the Fairgrounds comprise 169+ acres,
with buildings and land. The mission of the fair is to respond to the
communities' needs by producing a dynamic Fair, in a
year-round facility, that serves an ever-expanding
circle of peoples. The Fair will showcase excellence
in the traditions of the Past, the products of the
Present and the vision of the Future in the areas of
Agriculture, Trade and Industry. Values are placed on
Family, Fun, People, Learning, Entertainment, Safety,
Financial Strength, Responsiveness, Cleanliness and
Flexibility. Come and enjoy!

April
Skagit
Valley Tulip Festival. The Skagit Valley
Tulip Festival and La Conner Chamber of Commerce
present the annual Poulsbo RV Tulip Frolic. Also
featured will be musical presentations by local bands
and organizations on two stages, one with full sound
system and one for acoustical performances. Held in
downtown La Conner.

April
Willapa
Bay Seafood Festival.Music, fresh seafood, beer
garden, oyster shucking contests. Held at the Port of
the Peninsula Mooring Basin, on the Long Beach
Peninsula.

April
Norwegian
Heritage Festival. Held on the grounds of
Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, The Norwegian
Heritage Festival showcases Norwegian food and
culture, music performances and arts and crafts
demonstrations. The festival includes children's story
telling, genealogy classes, folk dancing and an
authentic Norwegian cafe. Also included are
woodcarving, weaving and live entertainment. The
mission of the Scandinavian Cultural Center is to
preserve the heritage and culture of the Nordic
countries in the Pacific Northwest. The center
provides the community with a wide array of exhibits,
programs and special cultural events throughout the
year.

+++++

May
South
Sound Classical Choir The South Sound Classical
Choir is a chapter of The Valley Arts Society which
was founded in May 1994 as a tax-exempt non-profit
organization for the performing arts. The society was
established to educate and increase interest of the
general public in various types of music and drama as
practiced by the society. It was structured as an
umbrella organization providing an avenue for
community performing groups to be able to perform in a
professional atmosphere with all the benefits afforded
professional entertainers. After South Sound Classical
Choir’s founding in January 2003, it rapidly grew to
40 members during its first year. Currently,
membership consists of more than 60 members and
performs six to eight times a year.

MayColorama Festival - Grand Coulee North Dam Park - Held Annually on Mother's Day. This festival is a hometown favorite and draws people from the Grand Coulee Dam Area and the surrounding towns as well. It is a popular event for former residents of the area to return to year after year. The festival is held annually on Mother's Day weekend in beautiful North Dam Park (between Grand Coulee and Electric City). Activities for the weekend include two Pro-West Rodeos, a parade down main street, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, a beer garden, and a prize button raffle drawing with grand prizes.

MayTacoma
Classic Weekend After a rounding success in
2006, Small
Ships Tacoma and The
Foss Waterway Seaport (home of The
Working Waterfront Maritime Museum) have partnered
to present Tacoma Classic Weekend. The event will be
held at The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum located
at the mouth of the Foss Waterway in Tacoma and will
be held towards the end of June. Featured events will
be classic wooden yachts, classic fiberglass boats,
classic motorcycles and bicycles, classic cars, hot
rods, music, food and beverages, miniature boat
building, a spaghetti dinner and charity raffle. Do
you have a classic wooden boat or fiberglass boat from
the 1950s and 1960s that you would like to display in
the water? Visit Tacoma Classic Weekend website for a
registration form. Do you have a classic vehicle,
motorcycle or bicycle you want to display? Is your
classic car club interested in participating? Come on
down on Saturday morning and be prepared to have a fun
time. The event is sponsored by the Working Waterfront
Maritime Museum, Small Ships Tacoma, The Classic Yacht
Association, The Ed Monk Wooden Boat Club, The Antique
and Classic Boat Society Pacific Northwest Chapter,
Gig Harbor Antique and Classic Yacht Festival and many
area merchants. This is going to be "the real
thing."

May Penn
Cove Water Festival. Coupeville, Washington.
The Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal
canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations,
storytelling, dance performances, artist
demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children's
activities, and exhibits and displays. In 2004, a
group of Whidbey Island community members formed the
nonprofit Penn Cove Water Festival Association, to
plan and produce an annual event. The Festival takes
place on one Saturday in early May, depending on which
Saturday has the best tides for the canoe races. The
races have expanded to include more categories,
including the large family “journey” canoes. The
Water Festival provides the setting for Northwest
tribes to share their heritage with tribal dancing,
singing, storytelling, native artists’ booths and
demonstrations, fry bread and salmon cooked over an
alder wood fire.

May Seattle
Maritime Festival. Seattle Maritime Festival is an
annual event held at the beginning of May. Tugboat
aficionados are a jovial maritime subculture, as
indicated by the oxymoron-ish concept of a
"tugboat race." The festival is a friendly
invitation to join in their passions for a day or two.
Most of the activity is held around the Bell Street
Pier (Pier 66), on Seattle's Waterfront. The festival
is very family oriented, with lots of free activities
for kids. Tour a tugboat. See the maneuvers of remote
controlled model boats. Outdoor barbecues and pier
restaurants supply ample food. Or there are plenty of
places to perch with your own picnic lunch if you want
to keep the day inexpensive.

May University
District Street Fair For over 35 years the
University District Street Fair has been the kick-off
event for the festival season in the Seattle region.
Attracting more than 50,000 people and nearly 400
craft and food booths to the District, the StreetFair
is an energetic and exciting celebration of arts and
crafts, community, music, and food. You'll find a
whirl of color, craft, creativity and downright
craziness! Join the thousands of people who attend.
There are two great music stages, a special children's
area with age appropriate events, a live theatre
stage, and a wonderful medley of street performers.
Unique local and regional arts & crafts and an
array of international food will delight you. The
Street Fair is a free event, located in the heart of
Seattle's University District on University Way NE,
and is produced by the Greater University Chamber of
Commerce.

May Lacey
Spring Fun Fair Since 1988, Lacey Spring Fun
Fair organizers have worked hard to create the perfect
environment for kids...it’s called Kids World! With
the help of non-profit organizations from the greater
Thurston County region, St. Martin's University, the
City of Lacey, and North Thurston Public Schools, the
campus of St. Martin's University is converted into a
kids' paradise every May. Additionally, Lacey Spring
Fun Fair offers a wide range of free family-oriented
entertainment! The outdoor Main stage and the indoor
Pavilion stage provide a variety of local and regional
entertainers including jazz, country, folk, golden
oldies and gospel performances. You can hear talented
singers, solo or in groups, with or without
accompaniment. When you add in performing arts, such
as drama, cheer & drill teams, and dance from
ballet, folk, contemporary or hip-hop, Lacey Spring
Fun Fair is truly the place to be for entertainment!

May Sasquatch
Music Festival Sasquatch Music
Festival is a music festival held annually over
Memorial Day weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in
George, Washington and is presented by the House of
Blues. The Gorge Amphitheatre, near the Columbia River
is a multiple winner of Pollstar magazine's award for
Best Outdoor Music Venue where there is an emphasis on
indie rock bands and singer-songwriters, but also
includes alternative rock and hip hop acts.

MayEdmonds
Waterfront Festival The Edmonds Waterfront
Festival is held in May at the Port of Edmonds
Marina. Each year, there is entertainment, a family
stage, a beer garden stage and ducks on parade. The
Rotary Club of Edmonds, as its premier fund-raiser,
presents this annual family festival which includes
marine exhibits, arts & crafts and FOOD. This is
one of Edmonds’ top outdoor events, attracting an
estimated attendance of 35,000.

+++++

June Lakewood
SummerFEST Don’t miss Lakewood SummerFEST! This event
is held each year near the tail end of June or first part of July at Fort Steilacoom
Park along Steilacoom Blvd. (8714 - 87th Avenue SW) Lakewood, WA
98498 Admission is Free and festivities on Saturday begin at 11:00 AM
and run on into the night. All toll, there’s musical entertainment on
two different stages; KIDZ Zone Play Area; Car Show and Motorcycle Rally;
Historical Tours and Activities; Soccer Tournament; Safety Fair;
Demonstrations and Displays; Army Strong Fitness Expo; R/C Boat Races,
Vendor Booths; Outdoor Movie at Dusk; special appearances by the Seattle
Seahawks and SeaGals, the Seattle Storm and the Seattle Sounders FC; And much,
much more! For more information, please call the City of Lakewood at (253) 983-7780

June Roy
Pioneer Rodeo. Held in June (and September)
the Roy Pioneer Rodeo features an Old West flavor. At
the Roy Pioneer Rodeo, there are bucking broncos,
homemade sweets, bake sales, a cowboy breakfast, a
spaghetti feed dinner, and evening country dancing,
all in the country town of Roy, just south of Tacoma.

June JazzyJune
On a hot August night in 2001, a Hot August Nights
event was ushered in by a group of local women who
began networking in support of success through real
connections, to provide knowledge and opportunity
through abundant resources and to allow for casual and
comfortable conversations where relationships in
business and life expand. It seemed to be the hottest
night in August that year so it was decided that June
might be a smidgy better, giving in to a little less
heat and maybe a little more comfort. Since then,
JazzyJune has steadily met with an increasing amount
of success and each year providing a different
charitable organization with the evening’s financial
proceeds. JazzyJune was founded by Rachael Costner,
director of Women's Resource and owner of Sands
Costner & Associates who continually looks for new
ways to purposefully connect and network by creating
unique venues and opportunities that appeal to the
busy lifestyles that many women lead. It will be found
that the power of JazzyJune is in the variety, the
fun, the laughter, the connections, the resources and
the relationships that are built over time. "
Experience the power of laughter and the folks
that will make us laugh. As usual, there's a
delicious spread of food, a no-host bar and a fondue
fountain.

June
Seattle
Pride Since Seattle launched its first Gay
Pride Festival in 1974, it's become the largest gay
festival in the Northwest. As they make their way to
the Freedom Rally in Volunteer Park, Northwest gays,
lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders march side by
side in the annual Pride parade in celebration of
their solidarity. Up Broadway they move with
flamboyant splendor, their gay banners waving above
the exuberant caravan of lavish floats, drag mavens in
fancy duds, dykes on bikes and gay-friendly
politicians. Besides the parade and rally, Gay Pride
sponsors dances, sports events and special forums.
Over the two-day festival, 100,000-plus supporters
explore the caravan of vendors sprawled along
Broadway, with the revelry spilling over into
gay-friendly bars and restaurants.

June
Edmonds
Arts Festival Held in June. For three days,
over Father’s Day weekend, the waterfront town of
Edmonds is the site of one of the Northwest’s
premier arts festivals. Each year art-lovers immerse
themselves in a rich array of visual and performing
arts. Great food and special activities for children
round out this annual event including plaza &
field artists, performing arts, kids creative corner,
junior art exhibits, a juried gallery, a food court
plus wine bar & bistro. Over 75,000 art lovers
from the greater King and Snohomish counties and
beyond are expected to attend this popular free
three-day festival. One of the Pacific Northwest’s
oldest and largest arts festivals, it offers a r ich
array of visual and performing arts and art events in
a stunning natural setting. Art lovers can stroll
charming “streets” named after painters as they
discover and purchase fine art and artisan crafts
directly from the talented artists themselves. The
Festival will showcase the work of over 200 selected
artist exhibitors, offering oils, watercolors,
pastels, drawings, mixed media, photography,
sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, glass, metal,
pottery/ceramics, toys, collectibles, and furniture.
This Festival has something for everyone, with
performing arts, seminars, classes, children’s
activities, musicians, and storytellers. A striking
limited-edition Festival poster and a poster created
by a junior artist will be specially produced to
commemorate the event. The Annual Edmonds Arts
Festival began in 1957. The mission then, as now, was
to celebrate and promote the arts with a lively and
pleasurable presentation of local and national work.

June
Laser
Light Festival. Held in June at Grand Coulee
Dam. Nightly at 10 PM. The Grand Coulee Dam is used as
a giant movie screen while lasers dance across the
face and spillway, telling the story of the Columbia
River, history and purposes of the Grand Coulee Dam.
Nightly at 10PM (approx 37min) Entertaining as well as
educational for all ages, with music. An unforgettable
experience! The Columbia River tells you its story
through this narrated production of brilliant lasers
that dance across the face of the entire Grand Coulee
Dam! Learn about the dam and enjoy the entertainment
sections with a patriotic finale. Great for all ages!
If you are not in a "speaker" section, the
program can be heard on 90.1 FM Radio. There are
several areas to view the show from. View from the
Visitor Arrival Center bleacher area or park area
below the center (speakers provided), Crown Point
Vista, Coulee Dam parks, vista points, across from the
Coulee Dam shopping area on the east side of the
bridge bleacher area - grassy knoll (speakers
provided}.

June
Pike
Place Market Street Festival Held during the
first part of June each year, Pike Place Market Street
Festival is held along the Seattle waterfront and is a
two-day event in the Market Place. It features arts
& crafts, food, beer and wine gardens, chef demos
and the Strut Your Mutt Dog Show and Parade plus kids
zone activities. Additionally, there is live
entertainment galore and hundreds of local artisans.
Experience a one of a kind marketplace, the likes of
which is nowhere else but along Seattle's historic
waterfront. Pike Place Market is a need-to-see place
to go.......

June Northwest
New Works Festival Held in June. For 23
years, On the Boards (OtB) has celebrated the most
innovative artists from our community and region,
through the Northwest New Works Festival. The
festival features 20-minute showcases of works by
the region’s established and emerging
contemporary performing artists and companies across a
range of disciplines: dance, theater, music, solo
performance, multimedia, and performance installation.
Artists come from Seattle, Portland, Bellingham,
Vancouver BC, and beyond! Line-up of artists are
available on OTB's website.

June Meeker
Days Hoedown and Bluegrass Festival. Held in
downtown Puyallup, Meeker Days' festivities date back
to 1939 and the golden Anniversary of Washington
statehood. Meeker Days has grown from a small arts and
crafts fair in Pioneer Park into what is now one of
Pierce County's largest and most successful street
festival. Meeker Days Festival will be held in
conjunction with "Meeker Days at the
Mansion," located at 312 Spring St., Puyallup.

June Sound
to Narrows 12K Run. Held in June, the
Sound to Narrows 12K Run is one of the top 25 foot
races in the United States, drawing some 10,000
runners from all ages. The run begins and ends in
Tacoma's Point Defiance Park and includes the park's
Five-Mile Drive.

June Tacoma
Highland Games. Frontier Park, Graham,
Washington, and held annually on the 4th Saturday in
June, the Tacoma Highland Games Association brings
alive the tradition of the Highland Games at Frontier
Park in Graham. 2004 marked the 35th Annual Tacoma
Highland Games. This event continues to be one of the
most pleasant and family orientated Games in the area.
The centerpiece of the Games are competitions in four
major area: Highland piping, drumming, dancing and
traditional Scottish athletics. Here you will be able
to experience Scottish music, culture and food, and
enjoy a variety of Celtic performances.

June Taste
of Tacoma Held in mid-summer, Taste of
Tacoma features the city's largest food festival, and
is held in Point Defiance Park. Chefs and restaurants
from the entire area participate. This event includes
over 30 booths, offers goodies ranging from barbecue
spareribs and ethnic dishes to heavenly desserts and
Washington State wines and beers, plus live music and
local artists. This is possibly the ultimate family
picnic.

June Vancouver
International Jazz Festival. In Vancouver B.C.
Today, twenty years after its inauguration, the TD
Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival is
the largest music festival in British Columbia, winner
of numerous awards for Best Festival and praised as
one of the leading jazz festivals in the world.
Acclaimed for its innovative and adventurous
programming, stellar production values, community
partnerships, solid fiscal management and
extraordinary volunteers (1000+) the Festival brings
audiences a state of the art look at the global jazz
scene. Over 400 shows (including 130 free concerts)
take place during the 10 days of the Festival. By
taking the music to concert halls, clubs, parks,
community centers, public plazas, and neighborhoods
and streets, the Jazz Festival animates the city like
at no other time of year. From Water Street in
historic Gastown to grand concert halls like the
Orpheum and the Commodore; from the picturesque
Capilano Suspension Bridge to the huge outdoor stage
at David Lam Park, jazz of all styles and stripes,
blues, funk, Latin, fusion, electronica and world
music resonates in venues big and small across the
city.

June Freemont
Fair. Held in June, the Fremont Fair is
located in the funky and friendly Fremont
neighborhood—Seattle, Washington's own "Center
of the Universe." Now in its 39th year,
Fremont Fair returns to celebrate the Summer Solstice
and the best of its community: art, spirit, sharing,
celebration and working together to help each other.
During Fair weekend, people from all walks of life
come together to shop, eat, drink, perform, smile,
dance, run, converse, debate, groove and parade. And
while Fremont Fair continues to emphasize good times,
don't forget about the good work it does by raising
awareness and understanding of the needs of low-income
people in our community. Presented by Fremont Public
Association (FPA), all donations received during this
FREE event go directly to fund FPA programs that
provide shelter, food, advocacy and care for
low-income families and individuals throughout Seattle
and King County. YOU CAN HELP! Bring a buck or two to
drop in the orange donation boxes at the main festival
entrances. It only takes $1 to make a difference!
Thousands upon thousands of people come to Fremont to
enjoy the sun, great food, music, street performances,
wide variety of artisans and imports while supporting
the fight against poverty in the community.

June Olympic
Music Festival. Imagine a turn-of-the-century
dairy farm nestled on 55 acres of tranquil farmland on
Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula...the sounds
of exquisite chamber music floating in the air. Inside
the beautiful barn, world-renowned musicians clad in
blue jeans are enthralling Northwest natives and
visitors with outstanding music from the most-beloved
classical composers. The Olympic Music Festival has
been voted "Best Classical Music Festival"
for many years. From late June through early
September, performances are held every Saturday and
Sunday afternoon at 2pm. Pack a picnic, bring your
friends, and spend a day roaming the Festival grounds
before the concert.

June Shoreline
Arts Festival Held annually in June.
With continuous entertainment, music and dance, juried
art shows for adults and students, a photography show,
artists and crafters in action, hands-on art,
readings, theatre presentations, a used-book sale, and
food there is sure to be something for everyone! One
of the goals of the Festival is to provide
participatory experiences in all the arts. In addition
to dance lessons and hand-on art activities, some
exciting new projects are always in the wind. This
very successful event will be a great opportunity for
the community to celebrate summer through the arts.
Plan to be there! This creative, community event will
takes place every June at the Shoreline Center, 18560
- 1st Ave. NE in Shoreline.

June Northwest
Garlic Festival. Held at Ocean Park's Sheldon
Park, on the Long Beach peninsula. In the land of
clams, crab and oysters what are folks looking forward
to in June? Garlic, and plenty of it! Celebrate the
passion for this exalted bulb with the faithful
throngs who make their annual pilgrimage to the NW
Garlic Festival which is held each June in the seaside
community of Ocean Park, Washington, located on the
Long Beach Peninsula. The Garlic Olympics of
Gastronomy is not held for the region's Garlic growing
ability. This Festival was born out of love of great,
garlic-laden cuisine and fabulous wine to go with (and
stand up to) it! More than 80 specialty food and craft
vendors offer up this supernatural powered herb,
prepared and put to use in every imaginable way
including some ways that go beyond. Where else could
indulgence be so healthy? Don't miss the succulent
garlic oysters or garlic-smothered sausages paired
with a garlic jam. For desert, decadent
chocolate-covered garlic or some donuts laced with
garlic herbs and cheese. Come and enjoy!

June Maritime
Gig Festival. Held on the first weekend in June in
Gig Harbor, it includes the "blessing of the
fleet" and includes many favorite activities and
events, including the Fun Run, the Kiwanis Pancake
Breakfast, the Grand Parade, Regatta, the Round Rock
Contest, music and entertainment, food vendors,
historic boat displays, arts and crafts, loads of
children's activities. In conjunction with
Maritime Gig Festival, there is the Gig Harbor Antique and Classic Yacht
Festival available with about 450 linear feet of dock
space at two locations: City Dock, 300 feet and Tides
Tavern 150 feet. Moorage is free, but no water or
power at either location. Rafting at City Dock is
allowed. Attendants will greet you Friday, June 2nd
from 1600 on to help you moor. This promises to be a
fun filled weekend with thousands of people in
attendance. A sister website for the event
weekend is at the Gig
Harbor Chamber of Commerce Also scheduled in
for your memoriable visit is the Taste of Gig Harbor
event: "Sample Our City's Finest Cuisine"
gig.

+++++

July
July – August
~ Puyallup Concerts in the Park.
This popular series attracts thousands of music lovers every summer from July to August. The noon concert series at Pioneer Park in downtown Puyallup begins July 10th and is geared toward families and children. The Thursday evening concerts in Pioneer Park begin July 12th and runs every Thursday night until August 23rd. The evening concerts are programmed for adults and families. This year, by popular demand, Puyallup Parks and Recreation will be producing an August concert series at Bradley Lake Park on Puyallup’s South Hill. These concerts will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 18, August 1 and August 15. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy Puyallup’s Concerts in the Park. The full concert lineup will be announced later this spring, but you may also check
cityofpuyallup.org.

JulyViking
Fest. Poulsbo's Viking Fest is a celebration of
Norway's Constitution Day of May 17th (in Norwegian
-"Syttende mai"), it is also referred to as
Norway's national holiday (independence day is
incorrect). In Norway, it is a festival of flags and
colorful processions, where children have a central
part to play as they walk to the music of marching
bands. It is a time when you see traditional Norwegian
costumes as a very prominent and natural part of the
celebrations. The festivities last from the early
morning to late at night. Parties with family and
friends featuring traditional food and drinks are
common. This is the most important day for the
children during the summer.

JulyTacoma
Jazz Music Festival. Generation to
Generation: Passing on our Traditions. The cultural
focus of the Festival brings masters of traditional
arts to the Festival to show us what they believe is
important to pass on to the next generation. See the
Festival Program Guide for a complete list of
performances and demonstrations. The purpose of the
festival is to create a premier jazz festival that
highlights the rich and significant achievements of
northwest jazz and blues musicians and their impact on
the local and national scene, to enrich and educate
young music students, and to bring some of the top
local, regional and national talent together in a
perfect partnership, venue, and beautiful city for
jazz and blues, Tacoma, Washington.

July
Puget Sound Bead Festival.
Held primarily around the second weekend in July, The Puget Sound Bead Festival
began in 1996 and has been running ever since. Throughout all those years, the show
has had to move venues four times to accommodate an ever-growing list of vendors,
class selections and attendance. With a running vendor list exceeding 75 and bead
classes exceeding 100, attendance has been swelling each and every year. It is
currently the largest national bead show on the west coast. Drawing levels of
beaders from all over the country, including Canada and Japan, artists & bead
merchants and artisans bring beads from all over the world: beads made from glass,
clay, semi-precious stones, silver, wood, and polymer. Beads range from hundreds of
years old to contemporary one-of-a-kind glass beads made by local artists. Each
year, the show progressively grows and class selections increase, along with the
show’s national appeal. All workshops are taught by nationally- known instructors
who teach glass bead making, seedbeading, wireworking, contemporary jewelry design
and marketing. It is a function of the Puget Sound Bead Festival each year to bring
high quality bead merchants and national bead instructors to the Pacific Northwest.
Each year the Bead Festival tries to increase the quality of the show by adding features
and services to enhance the attendees’ experience. With well over ten years of driving
experience, the Puget Sound Bead Festival is the place to be for any beader who is
fashion-driven and craving for high quality materials. Each year, classes are held
in all the latest jewelry techniques where attendees are shown how to make fashionable
jewelry and where that special beader-craving can be satisfied.
Motto number one is to deliver a bead show unlike any other, with the
highest quality vendors, classes & show services for the vendor, teachers,
students and attendees. No matter how one is involved, attendees are treated
like family to create an atmosphere that is inspiring, creative, and fun!
For 2010, the Puget Sound Bead Festival is located in the Murano Hotel’s
Bicentennial Pavilion at 1320 Broadway in downtown Tacoma.

July Tacoma
Freedom Fair Air Show and Fireworks Extravaganza.
Along the Ruston Way Waterfront, the Tacoma Freedom
Fair events cover two miles of the Ruston Way
waterfront on the 4th of July. Events include live
entertainment performances featuring country, rock,
folk, jazz, blues, Latin, folk, and music and dance.
Everyone attending this annual extravaganza will find
games, rides, kids carnivals, and an open-air market
with arts, crafts and an international food court. In
addition to that, a log boom for boaters, a classic
car show, Dragon Boat races and Metro Parks Family fun
zones are available for enjoyment. Of special interest
to thousands every year is the Tacoma Air Show, and
then capping off the day is the spectacular Grand
Finale Fireworks Display. TacomaScene.com invites you
to visit our photo
album and experience our experiences at Freedom
Fair 2001, 2002 and 2003.

July Art
on the Avenue Annually, in July, Art
on the Ave. is held along the 6th Ave. business
district in Tacoma, between Trafton St. and Pine St.
Each year, the 6th Avenue Merchants Association
invites the populous to participate in a celebration
of the arts. This high-energy neighborhood festival
offers art demonstrations, art vendors, children’s
activities, several music stages and much, much more.
Local artists are always encouraged to participate.
Look to see, maybe, about 10,000 folks coming to enjoy
this ever-increasing popular event. 2005’s
attendance was around 8,000 individuals and families.
Art on the Avenue covers eight blocks of interesting
and unique facades. There will be many interesting
live performances. All this and numerous arts and
crafts activities for the kids and young at heart.
Glass, ceramics, woodworking, furniture, forged metal,
mixed media, photography, weaving, watercolor and
jewelry are just a smattering of the types of art
vendors you may find. Do not expect to see any
commercially manufactured or mass produced goods.

July Tacoma
Old Town Blues Festival . Held in the Old
Town District, the Tacoma Old Town Blues Festival was
founded in 1994 by Ted Brown and is becoming an annual
South Sound favorite. An entire day of blues delights
can be had during this musical event which highlights
well-known local and regional blues acts. The day
starts off with a Bluesberry Pancake Breakfast and
continues right on into the night with "sounds to
simmer your mind." This blues event brings blues
lovers from all over and features vibrant music,
smiling faces, dancing feet and soul-soothing dynamics
~ all in one activity–packed Saturday! In presenting
a full menu of musical delights it provides more than
15 hours of live entertainment performed by some of
the best known local and regional blues acts.

JulyJob
Carr Days. Looking for some good old
fashioned fun, come to Job Carr Days' Pioneer Day Festival
that is held on the third Saturday in July in Old Town Park (Tacoma), home of
the Job Carr Cabin Museum. This event is a full day
celebrating the "birthplace of Tacoma."
There will be games for all ages, such as gunnysack
races, 3-legged races, watermelon seed spitting, tug
of war, and many others. Throughout the day you will
be entertained. This is a full day of booths,
contests, music and good old fashioned fun for the
whole family.

July
Tacoma
Farmers Market -- Annual
Dog Days of Summer -
[Farmers Market is held each Thursday, from 10 am to 3
pm May 18th - Aug. 31st and 10 am to 2 pm Sep. 7th -
Oct. 19th Downtown on Broadway Street, between 9th and
11th] -- The Broadway Street Market has over 80 booths
of food, flowers, produce, and more. Restaurant and
prepared food booths fill lunchtime shoppers with hot,
delicious meals from a world of culinary traditions.
Artists and craftspeople display handmade candles,
fragrant soaps, sparkling jewelry, and colorful
paintings. Our local farmers’ booths overflow with
fruits, vegetables, plants, and huge bouquets of the
freshest flowers. And there’s no better place to
stock your pantry with artisan breads, tasty jams and
jellies, and much more. Perhaps the best part of the
Broadway Street Market is the hundreds of people who
come there each week — to meet friends, listen to
live music, or get a quick, delicious bite to eat. The
Tacoma Farmers Market has become the seasonal spot
where downtown Tacoma comes together. July marks
the month that merchants, artists and animal
welfare organizations get together. Learn about
service animals, spay service, pet sitting, grooming,
boutiques, animal artists, and more! And here you can
learn about Woofstock, AnimaloCity Pet Parade and
other events coming in the summer. Come not only for
the Farmer Market experiences, but also come to see
how you can help the animals of Pierce County.

JulyKey
Peninsula Community Fair. A carnival. A midway.
Vendor booths. A cultural and historical center. A
food court. An arcade. Rides. Games. Dance areas.
Non-stop entertainment. Face painting. 4-H exhibits.
Petting zoo. Youth events. That's what's at the Key
Peninsula Community Fair, located on the historic Key
Peninsula, 10 miles SE of Purdy. This Fair is much
more then you would expect from a community fair,
while maintaining ole' time charm. Located on 20
acres, the fair is a wonderful family oriented event
serving both young and old. There are events featuring
an ole' time pie judging contest, historical
re-enactment actors, kids workshops, horticulture and
animal events as well as three stages of entertainment
and a beer garden.

July
Wooden
Boat Festival Held annually in July.
The Center for Wooden Boats holds a Fourth of July
festival on Lake Union each year that attracts some
10,000 participants. The theme is heritage wooden
boats. The ambiance is that of an old-fashioned,
down-home waterfront festival where everything is fun,
almost everything is free and nothing much is fancy.
It's as authentically grassroots American as you can
get and has been for over 25 years. If it's at the
festival, you can probably touch it, try it or do it.
Experience maritime culture first hand. It's a
hands-on festival right in the center of the city, in
the summer, on a bustling lake. Families come down in
droves because everything can be done by young and old
together - toy boat building, sailing model boats on
the pond, boat rides and races, picnicking, clambering
over boats big and small, festive food and music, and
general joy. Over the last 25-plus years, the festival
has developed into a gem of the Seattle Summer. We
hope you'll join us. Try it -- you may like it: Lake
Union Wooden Boat Festival and Classic Speedboat Show.
Some of the activities you'll find: Lots of exhibits
where families and individuals can go for a boat ride
or "experience the craft" of boatbuilding
and maritime skills; partnering activities with the
Antique and Classic Boat Society; more than 40 classic
runabouts and speedboats on display; on the water
kayak and rowing shell demos, historic longboat rides.

July
Pacific Lutheran University’s annual Jazz Under the Stars professional
summer concert series marks its fourteenth year this
summer -- 2012. This series is FREE to the public, our gift to our
community. The 2012 concert series will focus on the wealth of jazz
talent right here in Tacoma, including PLU graduate Sommer Stockinger,
Buddy Rich band veteran Tracy Knoop, and saxophonist Bill Ramsay.
Bill is going strong in his 80s and has played with the orchestras of
Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bob Florence and others. Starting July 12th,
the series runs 6 consecutive Thursdays from 7-9 PM in the outdoor
amphitheater of the Mary Baker Russell Music Center on the PLU campus.
Bring your lawn chairs and your picnic food. (PLU is a dry campus. Bring
the brie, leave the chablis!) The series is sponsored by the PLU music
department and KPLU 88.5 FM. Music faculty member Paul Tegels offers
an intermission performance on the world-famous Fuchs pipe organ in our
beautiful Lagerquist Hall. Complimentary coffee at all events and stargazing
after the last three concerts at PLU's Keck Observatory, weather permitting,
courtesy of the PLU physics department.

July
Zoobilee.
Zoobilee is an annual black tie fund raiser under the
stars that benefits Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in
Tacoma, and is held the third Friday in July. For the
last several years, Zoobilee has been a sold-out gala
event. It is held on the third Friday in July every
year. Since its inception in 1991, it has raised over
$2 million in cash and in-kind support for educational
and special needs at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Zoobilee funds have been used for new educational
graphics, the elephant restraint chute, expansion of
the Red Rooster Grill deck, the Jellies: Jewels of the
Sea exhibit, the education building offices and
classroom space, parking lot and entrance lighting,
and general operating expenses at the Zoo.

July Zoobilee
Encore. Held at Point Defiance Zoo and
Aquarium in Tacoma, Zoobilee Encore is a casual family
festival that is held the third Saturday in July, the
day following Zoobilee. Zoobilee Encore was designed
for families to enjoy the sights and setting of
Zoobilee in an alcohol-free setting and showcasing the
entire Zoo. Zoobilee Encore hosts a stage concert
appropriate for all ages and includes magicians,
mimes, jugglers, a game area featuring kid's karaoke,
carnival games and a basketball free-throw contest. It
also focuses on education with live animal encounters
and informative activity booths.

July
Sumner Rhubarb
Days
Friday & Saturday, July 13-14 2012 Sumner
is the "Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World”.
Sumner's hold on that designation is unique and threads
deeply through the fabric of Sumner's history.
Sumner’s connection to rhubarb is strong -- Sumner has been growing it for over 100 years and it's
still the number two producer in the country. The Sumner
Downtown Association sees Rhubarb Days as
the logical extension of our Pie Capital theme. It is considered
to be Sumner’s signature event.
Rhubarb Days is reflective of Sumner’s personality: it is family
orientated, family friendly and
offers something for all age groups and genders. It promotes
Sumner as an active community and Main
Street as the center of that activity. It is the kind of event
Sumner wants to nurture. Families
come and stay and play all day. Sumner plans to build on
that in all the Rhubarb Days to come.
Sumner appreciates how its area community has supported
Sumner over the years. Rhubarb Days
is its way to "give it back” to the community. The Sumner
Downtown Association knows that "community"
does not end at its city limits. Rhubarb Days events and
activities are designed to interest everyone,
whether they live in the Puyallup Valley, on the Plateau,
in Western or Eastern Washington, the
Pacific Northwest, the country or the world. These two days
are a time to learn more about the
history of Sumner and its valley and a chance to add to your
knowledge of a unique agricultural
product and the area where it is grown. It is also an opportunity
to join in a lot of fun and family
focused activities, the kind that lift the spirits of communities
and the spirits of the individuals
that participate whether they come from Sumner, the Valley or from
afar. Join in at Sumner Rhubarb Days 2012, Friday and Saturday,
July 13th and 14th, Downtown Sumner in Washington State.

JulyBellingham
Music Festival. Also billed as Bellingham Festival
of Music by some, is held at various venues during its
season. Established in 1993, the Bellingham Festival
of Music attempts to provide the area with educational
opportunities to experience live music performances at
the highest artistic level by nationally and
internationally renowned musicians in a concentrated
festival format. For over 13 seasons, the Festival has
presented 175 concerts. The Festival has been dubbed
by Arts & Entertainment Television as the
“Premier Northwest Summer Music Festival." The
annual series of concerts consists of classical,
chamber, jazz and world music with a resident 40-piece
orchestra of musicians from major American and
European ensembles. The Festival utilizes various
indoor and outdoor venues during the season. Adult
education is provided via Prelude talks prior to most
concerts and other lectures. An interactive youth
education program called “Beethoven in the
Schools” is presented annually in Bellingham and
Whatcom County schools and has reached over 12,500
students. Annually, the Festival attracts over 10,000
people to its various activities drawing audiences
locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

July Ethnic
Fest,also known as Tacoma Ethnic Fair.
This is a July festival held at Tacoma's Wright Park
and is an annual celebration of diverse cultures.
There are exhibits of arts and crafts, food vendors,
and several stages featuring performances by many of
Tacoma's ethnic groups. Ethnic Fest has celebrated
Pierce County's cultural and ethnic diversity since
1986 and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each
year. Each year, the festival features the many
cultural and ethnic groups that make Tacoma and Pierce
County a great place to live. At Ethnic Fest you can
enjoy performing and visual arts, crafts, dancing,
information and foods representing the many cultures
from within Tacoma and Pierce County.

July Salmon
Bake - Steilacoom. Held on the last Sunday
in July from noon-4:00 pm, the Sunnyside Beach Salmon
Bake features delectably grilled salmon complemented
with clam nectar, fresh fruit pies and live
entertainment. This meal is prepared in Washington
State's historic Steilacoom, truly a Northwest
experience.

July
Sequim
Lavender Festival. Held in Sequim, the Sequim
Lavender Festival is a three-day summer celebration of
the joys of lavender. This annual Festival includes
Farms on Tour, each offering a variety of
lavender-centered activities, including, lavender
lore, demonstrations, agricultural history, workshops,
horticultural programs, food, music and the
opportunity to spend time in the fields. The Street
Fair features more than 125 craft artists of hand made
items and vendors of lavender and other Olympic
Peninsula specialties. Also at the Street Fair is fine
musical entertainment, great local foods and an
Olympic Peninsula wine tasting event.

July
Seafair
Indian Days POW WOW Held in July in Seattle's
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery
Park. The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
holds an annual celebration on the grounds of
Discovery Park with the Pow Wow averaging 400-600
dancers in full regalia, 30 drum groups and 10,000
spectators who come to celebrate the richness of the
Native American culture. In addition to the dancers,
more than 60 vendors showcase a wide array of Native
American arts and crafts which include jewelry,
carvings, intricate beadwork, artwork, tapes, CD's,
and T-shirts.There are food concessions and on
Saturday and Sunday there is a traditional Salmon
Bake. Just some of the activities include traditional
singing, dance contests, drum contests, arts &
crafts, food booths, salmon bake grand entries. A
highlighting event is the crowning of a Seafair Indian
Days Pow Wow Princess.

July
Lake
Union Wooden Boat Festival. Held at the Center for
Wooden Boats, south Lake Union. Each year, The Center
for Wooden Boats holds a Fourth of July festival on
Lake Union that attracts some 15,000 participants. The
theme is heritage wooden boats. The ambiance is that
of an old-fashioned, down-home waterfront festival
where everything is fun, almost everything is free and
nothing much is fancy. It's as authentically
grassroots American as you can get and has been for
the last 28 years. If it's at the festival, you can
probably touch it, try it or do it. Experience
maritime culture first hand. It's a hands-on festival
right in the center of the city, in the summer, on a
bustling lake. Families come down in droves because
everything can be done by young and old together - toy
boat building, sailing model boats on the pond, boat
rides and races, picnicking, clambering over boats big
and small, festive food and music, and general joy.
Over the last 28 years, the festival has developed
into a gem of the Seattle Summer. Also, each month,
all year 'round, The Center for Wooden Boats has many
maritime heritage activities, classes and lectures for
a person to participate in.

July
Seafair.
Seafair is Seattle's summer community festival. It is
a month-long, region-wide barbecue, that brings an
entire community together in celebration. For over 50
years Seafair has been about community events,
parades, Miss Seafair, the Navy and Coast Guard,
amateur athletics, airplanes and of course, boat
racing. But most of all, Seafair has been about people
and it continues to be. There are more than 5,000
Seafair volunteers, hundreds of thousand of spectators
who come out for the parades and hydroplane races,
thousands more that participate in the half marathon,
torchlight run and triathlon and the youth who
participate in the Miss Seafair Scholarship. It’s
about Drill Teams who practice for hours each week to
synchronize their movements, hydroplane crews that
fine tune helicopter turbine engines to perfection,
the Pirates and Clowns that visit hospitals and
convalescent centers in the “off-season” and
marching bands that rehearse songs and steps for weeks
in preparation of their performances in neighborhoods
and through the streets of downtown. Seafair is for
everyone. As someone once mentioned, it’s a part of
what makes up a “Quintessential Northwesterner.”

July
West
Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival. HiYu is a
non-profit organization, established in 1934 by West
Seattle's service clubs to produce a summer festival
to promote the West Seattle Community. The annual HiYu
Summer Festival is held throughout the month of July.
Dozens of events occur all around West Seattle during
this time. The kick-off event is the Seattle Seafair
Pirates Landing at Alki Beach, and it finishes at the
end of the month with the Miss West Seattle HiYu
Scholarship Program and the Seafair Torchlight Parade.
Named in 1934 (16 years prior to Seafair), in a
community contest, HiYu means "much, plenty,
abundance" in native Chinook jargon. It includes
a kids fun fair, kids fishing derby, concert in the
park, bowling tournament, kiddies parade and a grand
parade.

July
Renton
River Days. Each year Renton River Days
welcomes almost 50,000 festival-goers to discover
Renton's amenities, enjoy lively entertainment, and
participate in extraordinary events and has been
running for 20 years. Renton has been home to summer
celebrations for decades with Renton's first ever
summer festival, Frontier Days, held in 1939. Frontier
Days catered to the cowboy and Wild West culture that
was popular at the time. Renton became a tourist
attraction with events like a beard growing contest,
parade, cowboy movies at the local theaters, and a
competitive Rodeo featuring cowboys from all over the
western United States and Canada. By the 1970's
Frontier Days was renamed Western Days and was
sponsored by Renton Western Wear. The new festival
boasted a parade, sidewalk sale and street dance.
Other events also took place throughout the summer
season, including the Mile Parade and activities at
Longacres. After twenty years, Renton River Days has
become a fixture in our community, each year bringing
together thousands of neighbors and friends for an
incredible experience. Just as businesses supported
Frontier Days in the '30s, nearly 100 businesses
contribute to the success of Renton River Days and
continues to be a family friendly event that grows and
flourishes.

July Scottish
Highland Games and Clan Gathering. - King County
Fairgrounds - Competitive Highland Dancing, individual
Piping and Drumming, Pipe Bands, Scottish Athletic
Events, delicious, traditional Scottish Foods -- you
will see and experience it all, plus much, much more
at the King County Fairgrounds, in Enumclaw. Will you
join in for a few hours or the entire weekend? Are you
a veteran or a novice? No matter, you will find
yourself on the doorstep of experiencing a wee bit of
Scotland right here in the Pacific Northwest! Thrill
to the bourdon of the bagpipes and the cadence of the
drums as you witness first hand the fine array of
talented pipers and drummers competing before judges
of worldwide renown. Behold the grace and elegance of
the Scottish dancers as they regale you with the
Highland and National dances of Scotland. Be amazed by
the titans who deftly toss the caber and put the
stone, matching skill and strength, against the odds
on the athletic field of battle. And during your
visit, you'll be able to sample a wide variety of
traditional Scottish foods. Take a stroll through the
Avenue of the Clans and the Glen of the Clans and
delve into your Scottish ancestry and heritage. Wind
through the Hall of the Vendors and observe the fine
workmanship of Scottish artisans, and spend your
hard-earned tuppence on lovely imported goods from the
British Isles. You and your party will be able to
witness a Scottish Farm with shaggy Scotch Highland,
Ayrshire and Galloway cattle, Clydesdale horses, and
Black Faced sheep. Complete your tour with a visit to
the Celtic Kennel as Celtic dog breeds will be
featured at work and at play. Plan to attend the
Ceilidh - a traditional Scottish party with music,
sing-along, stories and Scottish country dancing. It
is a weekend full of fun, education and traditional
Scottish activities where you can enjoy a wee bit of
Scotland right here in the Pacific Northwest!

July
Chief
Seattle Days. Annual pow-wow celebrating the life
of the chief for whom Seattle is named with canoe
races, art exhibits, and a salmon bake, among other
events. Held at the Suquamish Indian Reservation on
the Kitsap Peninsula, third weekend in July. "A
Northwest Indian Festival," in honor of Chief
Seattle. Held on the Celebration Grounds in downtown
Suquamish, there is no admission charge and everyone
is welcome. Among the festivities is a Salmon bake,
Indian Art, Parade, Canoe races, Pow-Wow, Traditional
Indian dancing, fireworks display, and a special
memorial service to Chief Seattle. Don't miss the
Princess Contest, Teen Dance and the multitude of
events! Just think: a Miss Chief Seattle Days Pageant,
Canoes arriving, Teen Dance, fireworks displays at
dusk, a Memorial at Chief Seattle grave site, parade,
canoe races, dance demonstrations by dancers from many
northwest tribes, Pow Wow competitions, Salmon Bakes,
Fun Run and canoe races.

July
Bite
of Seattle. A Seattle mid-summer tradition for the
last 23 years, held at the Seattle Center, on the
third weekend in July. It is hailed as "The
Northwest's Premier Food Festival." Out of the
dozens of festivals and special events held at Seattle
Center each year, the Bite of Seattle ranks among the
most popular. Food is not the only attraction; you'll
also be able to enjoy live music, cooking
demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitors to "The Bite" have the opportunity
to indulge in tasty treats of all kinds, including
entrees, desserts, fruit drinks, microbrews, and wine.
You'll be able to sample a variety of different ethnic
foods, including Thai, German, Greek, Filipino,
French, Russian, and Hawaiian. Adults can savor an
alcoholic beverage at one of the Bite of Seattle's
many beer and wine gardens. Beers of the world,
Northwest wines, and brand-name cocktails can be
enjoyed at designated locations throughout Seattle
Center. You can rest your stomach between all those
goodies by taking in live music and entertainment at
one of Seattle Center's four stages. Rock-n-roll,
swing, jazz, and reggae are just a few of the musical
stylings that will be offered from noon to closing
each day.

July
Ballard
Seafood Fest. This is Ballard, Washington's
Annual Seafood Fest. Besides seafood, there is musical
entertainment, craft vendors, eating & coverall
contests and firemen rescue demonstrations. They even
have an official Seafood Fest Song. Each year this
festival is held in Historic Downtown Ballard,
centered around NW Market St. and is presented by the
Ballard Chamber of Commerce. AND DON'T FORGET The
Annual Lutefisk Eating Contest. Once a year at two
o'clock on Saturday during Ballard Seafood Fest,
iron-bellied contestants challenge their physical
constitutions and eat with gusto and attempt to
consume as much Lutefisk as their appetites can
muster. This is classic. Check out participants
shoveling gelatinous white-lyed cod down their gullets
under hot July sun for a $100 reward! Motivation? It's
all about Tradition, Nostalgia, and Fortitude. For the
uneducated, Lutefisk is a centuries-old Yuletide
delicacy in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Most anyone of
Scandinavian descent has fond memories of the steaming
hot plate placed so lovingly in front of them on
Christmas Eve; mushing up the glob of jellied cod into
their mashed potatoes, topping it with good greasy
bacon gravy, dolloping some dried green peas on the
side and covering the whole concoction with mustard
and pepper. A lot of pepper. Check it out.

July
McCleary
Bear Festival. The McCleary Bear Festival Was
dreamed up in 1958 by Norman Porter, then editor of
the McCleary Stimulator, the home town newspaper. It
wasn't that he disliked bears, but he and other
residents of this area knew that bears liked to eat
the soft cambium layer of the inner bark of young
evergreen trees. They especially crave this delicacy
when they emerge from hibernation, and to satisfy
their hunger they often strip a tree of all its bark,
causing it to die, It started with a remark by a
friend of Porter's by the name of Roy Craft, then
editor of the Skamania County Pioneer in Stevenson,
Washington, who claimed that Skamania bears, if
properly cooked, were the world's most delicious.
Porter countered with the claim that Grays Harbor's
bears were the tops. The two agreed to meet head-on in
a bear-tasting contest in McCleary. Civic minded
McClearians got interested, formed committees and
decided to stage something more than just a
bear-eating contest. Working with Porter, they created
the First Annual Second Growth and Bear Festival. It
not only helped to rid the forests of unwanted surplus
bears, but also supplied the Festival with bear for
the barbecue. In 1966, fifteen bears went into the
communal pot. Now selected portions of inspected bear
meat is combined with beef to provide the distinctive
flavor associated with McCleary Bear Stew. McCleary is
a slumbering little lumber town 30 minutes west of the
Capitol City, Olympia. Although the Bear Stew is the
big attraction to the festival, there is also a
kiddies parade, grand parade, royal court ceremony,
bands, dances, slow-pitch baseball, and many other
events during the run of the festival.

July
Music In the Park - Olympia
A summer-long music
festival on Wednesday evenings in Sylvester Park in
downtown Olympia, Wash. during July and August. For
over 25 years, this event has been organized by the
Olympia Downtown Association and offers a range of
musical genres -- ranging from traditional and
patriotic to rock, soul, funk, hip, campy big band,
blues, local talent, new talent, established talent --
and often including the Fort Lewis Army Concert Band. This event will typically draw
some 10,000 people during its run. It is not unusual
to see families showing up with picnic baskets or with
food from one of downtown local restaurants. From
toddlers to grandparents, concertgoers mingle with old
friends they might not have seen all year and share
space on their blankets with new friends.

July
Redmond
Derby Days. Kid's parade, grand parade, live
music, Derby Day Criterium, fireworks, and more. The
Derby Days Carnival, including games and rides, runs
outside the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.
Redmond Derby Days, which has run annually for over 65
years, is a summer tradition that came to life at the
end of the Depression. It began as a drive to raise
money for downtown holiday decorations and school
athletic equipment. The Redmond Bicycle Derby was the
outgrowth of a small town's community spirit and is
now the nation's oldest bicycle race. The event
includes activities for young and old. The Redmond
Derby Days is sponsored by the City of Redmond and
many community businesses and organizations. It all
started in July 1939 when the annual Derby Days
bicycle race was inaugurated in Redmond, Washington.
Redmond is located in King County and is on the east
side of Lake Washington. Bicyclists race the 25-mile
route around Lake Sammamish. The criterium is a
multi-lap race on a closed course, and laps are
typically shorter than one mile. This style of racing
has bred a unique athlete, stressing speed and bike
handling.

July
Mercer
Island Summer Festival. Mercer Island’s annual
Summer Celebration has run for over fifteen years. A
premier community festival for the entire family,
Summer Celebration! has become an island tradition and
showcases summer at its best, with the idyllic beauty
and diversity of Mercer Island. The festival offers a
broad spectrum of activities for people of all ages
and abilities – free admission with a minimal cost
for ticketed activities. It is a period packed with
fun and excitement that includes a fireworks show,
community parade, music, entertainment, arts and
crafts, food faire, children’s celebration, giant
inflatable rides and games, boat rides around the
island, teen battle of the bands, classic car
gathering.

July
Chinatown/International
District Summer Festival. Authentic international
food, arts & crafts, community booths, and
cultural entertainment, the Chinatown-International
District Summer Festival is known to be the largest
Asian-American Streetfair in Washington and offers a
variety of Asian-inspired Entertainment including
Japanese Drumming, Chinese Martial Arts, Filipino
Dancing, Lion and Dragon dances plus live concerts
featuring Jazz, New Age and Pop music. You'll find
lots of hand-made Arts & Crafts, authentic Asian
Cuisine and even a Karaoke Stage for those that feel
inspired to showcase their vocal talents. It has taken
place each summer since 1975. It has been delighting
visitors of all ages with live cultural entertainment,
authentic Pan-Asian cuisine, and beautiful
Asian-inspired arts & crafts. The two-day event
also includes a Children's Corner, Karaoke Idol
Contest, car show, Sports Corner, Eco-Village, martial
arts demonstrations and much more.

July
Kla
Ha Ya Days Festival The annual Kla Ha Ya Days
celebration began back yonder in 1938 and is still
being held in downtown Snohomish. A former volunteer
for the festival studied the history of the
celebration and said Kla Ha Ya Days got its name from
the Chinook term meaning "welcome." The
celebration was a time for residents to gather and
take part in games such as frog jumping, watermelon
seed spitting, bed races and the baby crawl. Frog
jumping is still a favorite part of the event. Other
things going on include arts & crafts, antique
shops, live music, silly contests, balloon flow,
carnival, farmer's market, a hot-air balloon show,
skydivers, circus clowns, fireworks display at dusk,
street fair, food booths, games, entertainment and
shopping, Salmon Bake, a five-mile river run, a
one-mile run-walk, a kid's dash, soapbox grand prix,
ice cream eating contest, baby crawl, pie eating
contest, street chalk art drawings, drill team
competition and classic car show.

July
Kent
Cornucopia Days. Kent's Cornucopia Days
celebration has been around for over 35 years and the
City of Kent considers it to be the largest family
festival in South King County. Events include
skateboard and inline skate tournaments, bike
race, fun run, and several dozen other things
including carnival, street fair, a Miss Cornucopia
scholarship pageant, Old Timers King & Queen,
"Cornucopia Cup" Soccer Tournament,
Cornucopia Days Grand Parade, Dragon Boat Races
(apparently now the largest race in the State of
Washington).

July
Mission
Folk Music Festival. - British Columbia - Held at
Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission, British
Columbia you can discover one of B.C.'s musical
treasures – the Mission Folk Music Festival. Located
in the midst of the beautiful Fraser Valley,
overlooking the majestic (and muddy) Fraser River, the
Mission Folk Music Festival offers great music from
all over the world in the intimate, pastoral setting
of Fraser River Heritage Park. An eclectic gathering
of musicians take to the stage over three days. A
variety of food concessions, a coffee kiosk and a
licensed bistro are available on site, including Folk
Art & Import market kiosks with great local crafts
and fascinating, beautiful and sometimes even useful
items from around the world. Also available are
festival souvenirs and CD sales (featuring Festival
artists and many others). This is your chance to find
the rare and wonderful.

July Fern
Hill Annual Classic Car Show & Street Fair.
- Tacoma - Beginning to be a
long standing neighborhood community event, each year
there is the Fern Hill Historic Business District's
Annual Street Fair & Car Show. 2005 saw the
community hosting its 8th annual event on Yakima Ave.
between So. 83rd and 84th Sts. Each year promises to
be a great day for fun, a classic car show, live
music, children's fun and games and lots of great
food.

July
Gig
Harbor Summer Art Festival. Held in downtown Gig
Harbor. It doesn't take long for a visitor or new
resident to recognize the artsy orientation of the Gig
Harbor Peninsula. Galleries and shops are filled with
the work of talented local artists and craftspeople.
The natural splendor of Gig Harbor has always
attracted creative types, especially those working in
the visual arts. For nearly a quarter century,
Peninsula Art League has brought together many of the
artists who live and work in our area. PAL sponsors
exhibitions, workshops and classes and many other
opportunities for artists to play, paint, learn and
exhibit together and celebrate the creative spirit of
the area. In 1984, PAL took a leap of faith and
created the first Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival. By
year two, the size of the festival doubled, and today
the event includes over 160 booths. A scholarship fund
from revenues was quickly implemented. Our goal of
promoting arts education was realized, and it remains
the fundamental mission of PAL. Other Art League
activities include a variety of classes, a Plein Air
Painting Group for the outdoorsy artist, a Portrait
and Figure Group for those interested in portraying
the human form, and special workshops taught by local
and more widely acclaimed instructors.

July
Ritzville
Blues Festival. Held on the second Saturday in
July in downtown Ritzville (between Moses Lake and
Spokane) from noon to midnight. For over a dozen
years, the Ritzville Blues Festival has entertained
and mesmerized thousands. It is a one-day event
featuring top-caliber regional, national and
international blues acts. Over 25 bands play at
multiple venues including an outdoor stage located on
the streets of Ritzville. The downtown location makes
the festival unique for an outdoor event. Festival
goers can roam the streets and choose from many
different acts playing in different locations.
Featuring the entire range of blues - from traditional
southern blues, to boogie woogie, and Cajun zydeco -
the Ritzville Blues Festival offers something for
everyone. The music starts at noon on the outdoor
stage and doesn't stop till 2 a.m. in the bars around
town. Headline acts play 1½ hour long sets on the
main stage. The regional bands perform at
bar/restaurant locations - all located within two
blocks of the outdoor stage. Many of these groups will
play two sets during the day, giving everyone the
chance to see lots of different bands. Besides the
bars and local restaurants, numerous food vendors are
set up to keep you energized for the long day. Booths
at previous festivals have included BBQ Chicken,
Pitchfork steaks, Chinese food, Pasta, and Sno Cones.
Beer, wine, and liquor are sold at the indoor venues
as well as numerous outdoor beer gardens.

July
Sky
High Blues Festival. - Rock Creek, British
Columbia. The Sky High Blues Festival had its
14th
annual festival in 2011. This great outdoor music
event takes place in late July. The entertainment is
seasoned and up & coming blues artists,
predominantly Canadian and is family oriented. There
is a campground with private beach access. Children
under 16 are free, half price for students with I.D.
and seniors. Concession stand are open all weekend.
Great music, great
weather and good times.

July
Methow
Music Festival. In the Methow Valley near Winthrop
- Chamber Music in the Methow. Its purpose is to
present professional performances of, but not limited
to, classical music in the barns and meadows of the
Methow Valley. The Methow Music Festival is a magical,
financially stable, famous and unique classical music
series featuring artists of excellence and held in a
spectacular setting. This well-endowed program is
based in a permanent venue with indoor and outdoor
seating. Educational opportunities and master classes
complete this broad-based program. Each year goals are
set which combine these documents, community feedback,
and evaluations. Audience survey cards indicate that
as a result of festival workers, the Festival is
recognized throughout Washington, Oregon and
California as producing quality classical music events
in a unique, beautiful, serene, rural environment. In
2003, the Festival collaborated with Cascadia in
presenting a concert to introduce young people to
classical music. With the guidance and advice of
Methow Arts, an organization that brings arts into the
schools, underwriting from Cascadia, and a committee
representing four nonprofit organizations, this young
person’s concert was offered to the community free
as part of an expanded Community Day. Since then, the
Festival has been emerging strongly into newer stages
of growth, including a delightful blend of chamber
music, friendship, and gustatory pleasures. Management
philosophy is that with innovative programming, varied
venues and community partnerships, chamber music
festivals can attract and satisfy like no other
medium.

July
King
County Fair. Held in Enumclaw at the King County
Fairgrounds, it is the Oldest Fair West of the
Mississippi. The King County Fair was founded in 1863
- when Abraham Lincoln was president and Washington
Territory was 26 years from statehood! It began as a
simple celebration of agriculture and originally took
place in the Georgetown area south of Seattle. The
King County Fair moved to Renton around 1900, and then
to Enumclaw after World War II. Included in admission
price, is access to all shows, with entertainment
scheduled on three different stages. Over a dozen
vendors offer an international array of dishes, from
Hawaiian fruit skewers to the traditional barbecued
beef, turkey legs, corn dogs, ice cream and double
dipped chocolate strawberries. More than 43,000 passed
through King County Fair gates last year. The King
County Fairgrounds feature a number of historic
buildings originally constructed for the 1962 Seattle
World's Fair

+++++

August
July – August
~ Puyallup Concerts in the Park.
This popular series attracts thousands of music lovers every summer from July to August. The noon concert series at Pioneer Park in downtown Puyallup begins July 10th and is geared toward families and children. The Thursday evening concerts in Pioneer Park begin July 12th and runs every Thursday night until August 23rd. The evening concerts are programmed for adults and families. This year, by popular demand, Puyallup Parks and Recreation will be producing an August concert series at Bradley Lake Park on Puyallup’s South Hill. These concerts will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 18, August 1 and August 15. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy Puyallup’s Concerts in the Park. The full concert lineup will be announced later this spring, but you may also check
cityofpuyallup.org.

August
South
Tacoma Business District Annual Classic Car Show.
The South Tacoma Business District merchants each year
put on their own version of a summer car show and call
it their Classic Car Show. 2010 marked their 14th
annual show and takes place on South Tacoma Way
between South 54th and 56th Streets.

August
Lakewood
International Festival Lakewood,
Washington's International Festival is a multicultural
event that is held at the Sheila McGavick Student Center,
Clover Park Technical College each year in
association with the City of Lakewood's Sister Cities
Association. Every year, there are arts and crafts
booths, cultural food vendors and live entertainment.
Family fun is a core of the festival and is for the
benefit of the Lakewood community and surrounding
areas. It is an opportunity to view and taste a
variety of international foods, sing and dance to
ethnic tunes, and to see traditional cultural costumes.
Lakewood's international city affiliates are: Okinawa City, Japan;
Bauang, Philippines; Danzhou, P. R. of China and Gimhae, South Korea.
It is an opportunity for folks to enrich their lives and to participate
in forums for community involvement. It is an event that celebrates
culture and diversity.

August Music and Art in Wright Park
Music and Art in Wright Park is a free outdoor festival celebrating
the talents of local artists and musicians in our community ---
Rock, Rock-n-Roll, Alternative, Pop, Punk, whatever you want to call it, T
acoma has a great history in it and a bright future for it. It is an event
which relies on the generosity of individuals and local businesses for its
continued support. The festival, which started almost two decades ago, has
become a cultural institution in our community. As in previous years, it
includes local food, art and craft vendors and continuous music throughout
the day. Music and Art in Wright Park for 2012 will take place on Saturday
afternoon, August 11th. It is a family friendly, free, music and arts
event filled with art, crafts, food and a ton of music!!

August
The Browns Point Salmon Bake
is held every other August. 2012 will celebrate its 66th anniversary and
will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5
at the Browns Point Improvement Club. Now, according to the Browns Point
folks, “This is Granddaddy of them all!” and is the “best event in the
Northwest” with big salmon dinners. The event is free and includes live
music, entertainment, a beer garden and activities for children. Salmon
dinners cost $20 for adults, $12 for children and $17 for seniors. Dinner
includes corn on the cob, green salad, a roll and beverage, and of course,
salmon, which – unique to Browns Point – is baked on cedar spits over fire
pits of green alder wood. Dessert, chowder, hamburgers and shakes will also
be available. While there, folks can also visit the neighboring Browns Point
Lighthouse Park to tour the 1903 restored Lightkeepers Cottage and museum.
The Lighthouse and museum house exhibits featuring the Life and Times of
Jerry Meeker as well as hands-on displays of a single-room school house and
historic kitchen; a Boat House maritime museum with replica Coast Guard surf
boat; and the Pump House where the original lighthouse fog bell is hung and can be rung.

August
The
Festival at Mount Si, formerly known as North Bend
Alpine Days. This Festival has changed its
name and returns to the Si View Community Center Park,
400 SE Orchard Street in North Bend. The community
center allows North Bend to put on a very large
festival each year. In the past, over 30,000 people
have come to the weekend long summer festival. The
Festival at Mount Si , formerly known as North Bend
Alpine Days, celebrates North Bend 's community spirit
by preserving the past, celebrating the present and
embracing the future. The festival hosts an array of
exciting weekend events and activities for folks of
all ages. People come from all around Puget Sound to
enjoy the music and entertainment on two separate
stages at Si View Community Center where you can
groove to the rhythmic beats of jazz, blues,
rock-a-billy, Caribbean and reggae music played by
some of the Northwest's finest musicians. Many also
come to take part in the Snoqualmie Valley Track Club
5K/i OK Run and 1.5 Mi. Walk that begins Saturday
morning before the colorful Grand Parade. The parade
features a Grand Marshal in a grand procession with
over 100 floats, bands, equestrian riders, drill
teams, and more. In addition, the Festival at Mt. Si
will have children's rides & games, spectacular
fireworks, a beer garden, Skate Jam, Silent Auction
and rides on the historic Snoqualmie Valley Train.

August
Fort
Nisqually Brigade Encampment - Point Defiance
Park. Reenactment of life in 1855 at the
restored Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post in
Point Defiance Park with participants in period garb
demonstrating blacksmithing to candle making.

August The
Rainier Roundup - The Rainier Roundup happens on the fourth weekend of
August when Blue Grass Bands roll into Wilkowski Park and the city is abuzz with happenings.
It is never too early to mark your calendar to make sure you don't miss a great weekend
Rainier. Vendors are sponsored by the Rainier Historical Society and are here from Friday
through Sunday. Round Up Events will be an informal weekend of Bluegrass pickin' and
grinnin' @ Wilkowski Park. Friday night dinner, sponsored by the Rainier Lion's Club
where a little pickin and grinnin' may come into play also. Corn is served every evening
at the park and the Senior Center Bake sale is found at the Blue Grass gate. Vendors Row opens
Friday morning. On Saturday: The Round Up Parade at 11 a.m. There are things to see and do:
Vendors Row, the Bluegrass Shows and a Saturday evening street dance. In addition to
the “Bluegrass Pickin Party,” the Rainier Roundup is held beginning with the parade down
main street starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Come early so you can get a good spot for the parade.
There will also be a flea market, bakes sales, corn feed, yard sales, and more.
For a weekend of camping, suggested donation of $15 per rig. Stay all week, $20.
Sunday brings the Gospel Jam and many of the vendors are on vendors row until mid afternoon.

August
Seattle
Chamber Music Festival. The Seattle
Chamber Music Society presents a summer festival of
music at Lakeside School and an annual Summer Festival
at The Overlake School in Redmond. Hear amazing
chamber music concerts with pre-concert recitals,
Music Under the Stars outdoor broadcasts, an Emerging
Artist Concert, and Family Concerts. Established in
1982, the Seattle Chamber Music Society's mission is
to foster the appreciation of chamber music in our
region by presenting performances featuring
world-class musicians in accessible and inviting
formats, with an emphasis on developing a broad-based
sustainable audience through education and community
outreach. For its concerts, Seattle Chamber Music
Society brings to the city some of North America's
finest young chamber players.

August
Proctor
Summer Arts Festival. The Proctor District
in Tacoma was established in Tacoma’s North End
nearly 100 years ago. Each year The Proctor District
plays host to an annual arts and craft fest in its
unique and convenient “village.” 2004 marks the
district's 8th annual arts fest.

August
Whidbey
Island Highland Games . Held annually in August.
"Come and join us when the traditions of the
Highland Games come alive at the Greenbank Farm,
located in Greenbank, Washington on beautiful Whidbey
Island. The centerpiece of the Games is competitions
in four major areas, Highland Piping, Drumming,
Dancing, and traditional Scottish Athletics. Bring
your family and experience the Scottish music, culture
and enjoy the variety of Celtic performances which are
scheduled throughout the day on the Main Stage. Trace
your ancestry as you stroll amongst the Clan Tents or
enjoy browsing throughout the vender shops, which
display traditional Scottish clothing, literature,
music and much, much more. Thrill to the sound of the
bagpipes and the cadence of the drums as you witness
first hand the fine array of talented pipers and
drummers competing before judges. Behold the grace and
elegance of the Scottish dancers as they regale you
with the traditional Highland and Nationals dances of
Scotland. Be amazed by the titans who deftly toss the
caber and put the stone, matching skill and strength
against the odds on the athletic field of
battle."

August
BrasilFest
Held in August. The rest of the world has nothing over
Brazil when it comes to joie de vive. BrasilFest, with
its upbeat rhythms, joyful dance, and spicy flavors,
takes place at the height of Seattle's summer -
escalating the fun, celebratory atmosphere. Brazilian
Folklore Day, not typically celebrated outside of
Brazil, gives reason for the festival's date, but the
usually good weather lends an authentic feel to the
mostly outdoor event. Both folk traditions and
contemporary arts have expression at the festival,
where some of Seattle's most vibrant performers take
the stage, along with impressive visiting artists. A
focus on a specific region of the vast country gives
visitors both a cultural and geographical
understanding of the diversity found there. Stay tuned
for more information about this year's theme.
BrasilFest is produced by ShowBrazil Productions and
Seattle Center's Festal.

August
Tibet
Fest Held in August. Ritual and tradition
are the heart of Tibet Fest, where the modern and
ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet’s
unique cultural identity. Not only just the country of
Tibet, but neighboring Nepal, North India, Ladakh,
Bhutan and Mongolia. Performing groups share centuries
old stories and legends through lilting melodies and
rhythmic movements, wearing symbolic masks and
authentic costumes made of rich fabrics and brocade. A
Tibetan-style bazaar with traditional handmade items,
prayer flags and more, creates a festive atmosphere.
Instruments include unique combinations of flutes,
horns, drums, bells and cymbals. Tibet Fest is
produced by the Tibetan Association of Washington and
Seattle Center's Festal.

August
Omak
Stampede. Always the 2nd weekend in August in
Omak, Washington, is billed as the wildest ride in
Washington State which includes the world famous
suicide race. Featured events include a Motor Rodeo,
Horse Rodeo and an Indian Encampment. The Omak Motor
Rodeo is a mechanical mayhem with a western twist. The
night gets an exciting kick start by opening with a
full blown demolition derby. Between the rounds of
crunching, twisting steel, the night continues to heat
up with the lawnmower races. And this ain't your
grandpa's old lawnmower either... these are souped up
riding lawnmower chassis that resemble ATV's more than
lawnmowers that burn up the track in this exciting
event. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks
display. The Omak Horse Rodeo is just as wild, but
with real life bucking bulls and horses plus all that
smelly 'ol hay and straw that goes with 'em. THEN we
have the Omak Indian Encampment & Pow Wow. And
that little ditty is sponsored by the Colville
Confederated Tribes. This annual Indian Encampment and
Pow Wow is held at the Omak Stampede Grounds and is a
traditional gathering featuring authentic teepee
village, dancing, drumming and singing competitions
and stick games - a Native American game of chance.
The encampment grounds are open to the public
throughout the weekend. Stroll on through and enjoy
the beauty, grace and sacred traditions of our Native
American culture. This is a bit of excitement
learning.

August
San
Juan County Fair. Held on San Juan Island, the aim
and purpose of the San Juan County Fair is to showcase
San Juan County and its diverse skills, talents and
accomplishments in Agriculture, 4H and youth
activities, arts and crafts, fabric and fiber arts,
environmental stewardship, service organizations,
local history and industry. The San Juan County Fair
offers high quality entertainment, education, great
food, good old fashioned fun and neighborly
socializing.

August
Kitsap
County Fair & Stampede. Held at the Kitsap
County Fairgrounds. The first recorded Kitsap County
Fair was held in 1923 in Port Orchard, some 15 miles
from its present location. It moved to Bremerton, its
present location, in 1958. In 1929 exhibitors at the
Fair totaled 1,000; today there are more than 6,000
and annual attendance exceeds 80,000. In 1960, the
Chief Kitsap Stampede sold stock certificates for $1
and constructed the Thunderbird Arena. When completed
it held 12,000 spectators. In the late ‘70’s
portions of the Arena were condemned. The covered
grandstands were later added. Today the Arena holds
5,000 spectators and is used year-round for various
events such as D-derby, Draft Horse Show, monster
trucks and more. The complex has an annual overall
attendance at its various events of more than 211,000.

August
Pierce
County Fair. Graham, Washington. For over 60
years, the Pierce County Fair Association has put on
an annual fair highlighting rural life, agriculture
and good ol' family values. It is situated amongst the
firs and green grass of Frontier Park. Each year, wide
selections of tasty fair foods are offered up to those
so inclined and interested while viewing some of the
many free entertainment acts and attractions. The
Pierce County Fair is a local link to an agricultural
past and a fast paced modern life. Farm related
projects are the emphasis of the fair. The 4-H Fair,
as it was called then, had drawn youth members from
all over the county. When it first began, there were
few entrants and there were few categories. For the
first three years, the fair was without a permanent
home. From Benson Grange, it moved to Woodland School
and then to the Fruitland Grange. The 4-H fair gave
way to the Pierce County Junior Fair which gave way to
the Pierce County Fair.

August
Thurston
County Fair. The Thurston County Fair in Olympia,
Washington is a family-oriented, old fashioned,
five-day fair. The fair runs Wednesday through Sunday,
always on the first weekend in August. Come join us
and pet the animals, spin some wool, cruise the
carnival, visit the exhibits, get dizzy on the rides,
check out the commercial vendors, and feast on the
fabulous fair food. And above all, duck in and have
fun. Included in fair activity are 4-H contests where
members learn how to "make the best better,"
or in other words, how to improve their projects.
Contests and fairs also give members a sense of pride
and accomplishment. 4-H'ers receive ribbons and prizes
for their efforts. The Thurston County Fair is its
showcase event of the year.

August
Skagit
County Fair. Held in Mt. Vernon where there is
live entertainment fun for the whole family. Each
August people honor the Skagit valley’s rich
agricultural history by attending the Skagit County
Fair. Since the first fair in 1898 many venues have
come and gone, but always at the heart of this summer
tradition was the farm families and the crops and
animals they raised. For over a hundred years, the
Skagit County Fair has existed. Dozens of displays and
exhibits flourish, from honeybee and flower displays
to the sheep, goats, dairy cows and horses shown by
4-H and FFA kids, all honoring the agriculture
foundation of the Skagit Valley. Savor cotton candy or
a “fairburger” while watching the FFA dairy
judging. Admire a pig. Check out the new rodeo. Enjoy
some live music. Toss a dart at the carnival. As you
explore the fair, relish the experience - then come
back for more. Main attractions include stage shows,
often ranging from country and bluegrass, to steel
drum bands and Cajun groups. And for those who enjoy
jump-starting their hearts, enjoy the spinning,
sliding, whizzing, and lurching rides. There are also
games of skill and chance for the opportunity to win
your sweetheart a stuffed animal.

August
Grays
Harbor County Fair. Held at Elma where there's
Poultry in Motion. Activities include a Creative Kids
Exhibit where children ages six through fifteen can
exhibit their creativity and skill. It includes art,
baking, creative writing, photography, sewing and bird
houses/feeders. Additionally, there is quilt block
contests and talent shows. The Fairgrounds is 68 acres
in size and includes 15 major buildings and barns,
1200 parking spaces and two outdoor stages.

August
Hempfest.
The Seattle Hempfest is billed as "the foremost
cannabis policy reform event in the world," and
"the world's phattest protestival." Seattle
Hempfest 2005 was apparently a smashing success, as
thousands of freedom lovers enjoyed the bright summer
sunshine along the downtown waterfront. Established
first in 1991, Hempfest now spans two of Seattle's
downtown gems, Myrtle Edwards and Elliot Bay Parks and
lasts for two days in August. Multiple stages,
hundreds of vendors, and scores of political
organizations come together at Hempfest to make the
world's phattest protestival a safe and educational
demonstration of people power. Hempfest contends it is
a work party with a new permanent theme of education,
with a specific additional focus on an individual
topic each year.

August
Oldtime
Fiddlers Contest Held in August.
For over 10 years, the Oldtime Fiddlers Contest has
been held in Winthrop, Washington every August in the
beautiful Methow Valley at the Winthrop Park
Bandshell. Championship fiddlers and top notch
acoustic musicians from all over the Northwest and as
far away as Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado
and Canada have competed here. Brad Pinkerton, contest
chair, has attended and competed in oldtime fiddle
contests since 1970. "We changed some of the
standard fiddle contest rules to loosen our contest up
and make it more fun for both the fiddlers and the
audience. At most Northwest contests the fiddlers have
a strict four minute time limit within which the
contestant must play three tunes; a hoedown, a waltz,
and a tune of choice. Because of the time limit the
audience is told not to applaud in between the tunes,
just at the end of the round. At our contest there is
no time limit for a contestants round and the audience
is strongly encouraged to holler their encouragement
to the fiddlers during the tunes and to just generally
whoop it up! We also allow as many accompanists as the
fiddler wants, so the dads and moms can play along
with hot-shot accompanists behind their fiddling kids.
And we allow cross tuning, so you can hear some of the
old archaic tunes. Oldtime fiddling is a living folk
art, one of the last. Some of these old tunes are 300
years old and have been passed down from generations.
Where else could you see a kid playing a tune in 2005
that his great-grandpa played in 1902? The music is
learned by ear, not sheet music. The oldtime fiddling
harks back to when music wasn't made by celebrities,
but by your uncle and neighbors. At a fiddle contest
there are no 'stars' kept separate back stage. You can
meet and greet some of the best fiddlers in the world
here. It's just a different music scene." In
addition to the fun of fiddling, a big draw for the
fiddlers is the prize money. This is the best paying
dinky contest in the country. All of the prize money
is generously donated by local merchants and
individuals. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets.
Seating will be available for seniors under a shade
tent. Divisions break down like this: Pee-Wee
(age 11 & under): Senior (age 60 &
over): Junior (12 to 17): Open:
Championship: Accompanist division:
Miscellaneous acoustic division (open to banjo,
mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass, accordion, tuba,
banjo sexto, etc.) If 'yer into fidlin' this is
for you! This is definitely classic.

August
Seattle
Tibet-Fest. Northwest Tibetans will gather to
celebrate and display Tibetan culture, art,
handicrafts, music, and traditional food for the
general public. The spectacular music and dance of
Tibet are the star attractions at this colorful
two-day festival at the Seattle Center. Featuring
arts, crafts, literature, lectures and plenty of food,
TibetFest is a cultural feast of entertainment from
the Land of the Snows that is guaranteed to dazzle all
visitors. Members of the esteemed Tibetan Institute of
Performing Arts from Dharamsala in India join local
dance troupe Nyenchen Thangla to present traditional
folk music and dances of Tibet. Dressed in stunning
silks and brocades of many colors and dripping in
silver and turquoise jewels, the dancers wow audiences
with tales of nomads and farmers and dances of
gypsies, stags and yaks. TibetFest has been running
since 1985 and is brought to Seattle by the close-knit
community of Tibetan refugees who live in the area,
through a local organization called the Tibetan
Association of Washington.

August
Makah
Days. The grand parade, street fair, canoe races,
traditional "slahal" games, singing ,
feasting, bone games, salmon bake, traditional dancing
and a spectacular fireworks show are all part of Makah
Days. This celebration is held every year towards the
end of August at the Makah Indian Reservation, Neah
Bay.

August
Anacortes
Arts Festival. In downtown Anacortes, the
Anacortes Arts Festival's mission is to promote the
arts in the community, reflect a desire to expand the
support of the arts and to continue to promote a high
quality yearly festival with a commitment to produce
an outstanding fine art show. For over 40 years, the
Festival is one of the oldest and largest in the
Northwest. Since the early 60’s the Festival has
been building a Permanent Collection, which includes
pieces from many Northwest artists. The Anacortes Arts
and Crafts Festival got its start in 1962 from the
Parisienne Montmartre - a French open-air cafe. With
the support of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, the
first festival in July of 1962 was billed as “the
longest art display in the world”. In the 45 years
since that simple beginning, the Festival has grown
into one of the largest and most respected Festivals
in the northwest.

August
Washington
State International Kite Festival. The Washington
State International Kite Festival has been held in
Long Beach for more than two decades and is held
during the 3rd full week of August each year. This
event has been voted Best Kite Festival in the World.
Its a place where you can come and join in the
fun during a colorful, friendly fun- filled week.
Festivities start out with Kite Trains, Arches and
Multi-line stacks and join the "engineers"
for some fun. It includes a workshop for adults and
children with special needs. Then comes Tubular
Tuesday, followed by Red, White and Blue Day honoring
our flag. On Thursday, there is Handcrafted Kite Day,
which is a popular event for all with a variety of
categories and three levels of competition. On Friday,
there are Demos, Hot Tricks, Junior Dual Line
Competition and Mass Ascensions. The night skies are
lighted with the Night Fly and fireworks. Starting
Saturday off are Fighter Kites, Rokkaku babbles and
the cody Kite Fly. Then there are more mass
Ascensions, the Pin Challenge and Showtime. Saturday
evening brings the Kite Museum Auction / Festival /
Awards and Fireworks on the beach. Sunday wraps things
up with a Family Fun Fly.

August
Seattle
Music Fest. Seattle Music Fest at Alki Beach is
billed as Seattle's premiere summer event showcasing
emerging Northwest bands and select national acts. It
is a free, all-ages, three-day music festival with a
beautiful waterfront stage at Alki Beach in West
Seattle. Three days of amazing music at one of the
most beautiful beaches around. New music,
new things to do, new foods to try, and an atmosphere
like no other event. SMF is unique among NW festivals.
• It focuses on the music. • It showcases
extraordinary, emerging artists as well as featured
headliners, giving some of the most carefully scouted
bands an opportunity for us all to get to know them.
• It's hip, but never hipper-than-thou. All
the cool music with a very welcoming environment.•
It's truly all-ages. The beautiful surroundings and
open tradition make this a show for families. Tattooed
and pierced 19-year-olds stand next to retired folks.
• It's a menu of good music. If you'd like to
go out more to see live music but have no idea who
those bands are, here's your chance to see dozens of
bands in three days and pick your favorites. • It's
low-cost for those who need it. SMF is
free with a small, suggested donation. Those who
can't afford other concerts can attend here. Three
Short Days to Discover Great Music.

August
Arts
in Nature Festival. During August, experience
jazz, folk, classical, and other music; dance and
theatre; visual arts; and kids' activities held by the
Nature Consortium at Camp Long in West Seattle.
Arts~in~Nature Festival is a 2-day celebration
exploring themes of nature through the creative arts.
There is music, dance, theatre, an outdoor museum of
sound, kids & family activities, food & drink
and a whole lot more where creative artists of all
genres "come out to play in the woods"
during this funky annual celebration. From dancers
scaling a glacier to an outdoor museum of sound, this
festival will showcase an impressive number of locally
renowned performing artists, sound artists and
ensembles. This multidisciplinary event is nestled in
the forested arms of Camp Long in West Seattle. Eight
rustic cabins will house the "museum of
sound" where artists will take up residency for
the weekend, creating interactive sound and visual
installations. Wandering musicians, characters and
dancers will also infiltrate the forested landscape
between the cabins. The festival will have 4
performance venues: in the Lodge, in a forested grove
by the Pond, on the climbing "Glacier," and
at the creative sound stage by the fire circle. There
will be a wide array of eclectic and traditional
offerings from experimental & improvised to
classical, Javanese, traditional Latin American and
indie/brit-pop. The event includes a 2-hour Kite
Festival on Saturday and a Laughter Circle on Sunday.
There will be hands-on interactive EcoArt workshops in
the Family/Kids area and String Figure Art in the
Woods by the West Shelter. In addition, there will be
healthy, delicious food & drink. With a serious
commitment to conservation, all festival marketing
materials are printed on tree-free paper made from the
kenaf plant.

August
Olalla
Bluegrass Festival. Held in Olalla (on the Kitsap
Peninsula, north of Gig Harbor and south of Port
Orchard) here's an opportunity to "kick the city
off your shoes" during mid-August of each year.
Here you can experience old time fiddlers,
hand-crafted arts and crafts, good country food, a
kid's parade and a berry pie contest. Plus old-time
craft demonstrations. "Olalla" means
"land of many berries." What tastier way to
celebrate roots than with a homemade berry pie. For
those so interested, your best berry pie can be
declared the tastiest in all the land. Olalla may be a
small place, but it has a big appetite for good berry
pie. If you think that you can tip the M-m-m-m Scale,
give the Olalla Bluegrass Festival your best shot
while enjoying good ol' bluegrass music.

August
Loggers
Jubilee. Every year on the second weekend of
August, the town of Morton, Washington opens it's
doors and welcomes all to come and experience their
past and present community history. The Loggers'
Jubilee has become "the Granddaddy of all Logging
Shows" and a celebration for people of all ages.
From the Main Street Parades to the Lawnmower races,
the world famous Logging show to the Jubilee Queen
Coronation, Morton's Loggers' Jubilee promises a good
time for anyone.

August
Evergreen
State Fair. Held at Monroe, Snohomish County the
last weekend of August since 1908.

August
Northwest
Washington Fair. Held at Lynden in Whatcom County.
"Our Vision is for the Northwest Washington Fair
to become a destination event where families and
individuals come to enjoy an experience that is
totally unique. They will be impacted as a result of
their personal involvement with the Fair and its
interactive exhibits in an environment that sets the
industry standard for safety, cleanliness and
aesthetics. Our facilities, considered a resource by
the community, will be impeccably maintained and will
grow and expand as is required for the development of
the fair and to reflect the needs of the area.
Our Mission is that the Northwest Washington Fair
Association will organize an annual “Fair” that
will promote an appreciation for our agricultural
heritage, provide education about the role agriculture
plays in life today while providing youth with a hands
on experience. The annual Fair will be a social
gathering place where family values will be honored
and individuals of all ages will be entertained. The
mission of the association will further be
accomplished by generating revenue via rental of the
facilities during the off-season, developing
promotional activities to encourage off-season usage,
and promoting agriculture as a way of life."

August Bremerton
Blackberry Festival. Located on the Bremerton
Boardwalk in the heart of downtown the Bremerton
Blackberry Festival draws over 50,000 people from
around the country. It is held on the first weekend of
September and has been moving right along for well
over 15 years. And for this occasion, the Bremerton
Main Stream Association brings its biggest street
party of the year to bear for this annual festival
over Bremerton's picturesque waterfront each and every
September. From modest beginnings in 1990, the
berry-fest has evolved into THE summer-ending
extravaganza for the Puget Sound. As the festival
draws more public attention, it also gains a plethora
of unique entertainment and culinary delights,
blackberry-style! Breezing down Bremerton's boardwalk,
one can stop and sample the best blackberry jams,
jellies, pies and cobblers. The beer garden has
blackberry cider and the very popular blackberry wine
with the festival label. More than one hundred vendors
offer a vast array of foods, drinks and art. For
children, the little Blackberry Festival is a
storybook come to life. Kids will be fascinated by
magicians and musicians. They can play games and have
their faces painted. Little artists can even grab some
colored chalk and make their mark on a giant
blackberry poster mural. As in past years, the
Bremerton Blackberry Festival is packed with free
entertainment. Some of the best musicians and
entertainers in the area will perform throughout both
days. Other Festival staples are back each year, like
the Berry Fun Run and Dream's on Wheels Car Club Car
Show right next door in downtown Bremerton.

+++++

SeptemberCommencement
Bay Maritime Fest Held at Dock Street,
Thea Foss Waterway, and the Port of Tacoma, the
Commencement Bay Maritime Festival is a week long
festival to celebrate Tacoma’s working waterfront.
The Fest encourages all citizens to celebrate its
waterfront by experiencing art, history, environmental
education, music, trade, boat and train rides,
cultural diversity and hands-on activities unique to
the Thea Foss Waterway and the Tacoma Tideflats.
Organized by the Port of Tacoma, featuring a
celebration along Thea Foss Waterway, this event is
held in September and features activities from parades
to port tours, cruises to concerts, tugboat races to
rip-tide rowers. The Commencement Bay Maritime Fest is
a relative newcomer on the scene, yet the city's
waterfront community has a long tradition of tugboat
and steamboat racing -- going back over a hundred
years. The setting for the Tacoma event is perfect,
with activities taking place along Thea Foss Waterway,
named, of course, after the woman who told the old man
to get out there with that row boat and bring those
square riggers and schooners in here! If you're a
maritime fan, you will probably find something of
interest along Thea Foss Waterway come the middle of
September of each year.

September Sequim
Balloon Festival
Western Washington now has an amazing first class hot air balloon festival on
Labor Day Weekend. Bring your camera because you are in for a sensory overload.
Not only will you get to see five-story balloons fly across the Dungeness Valley,
but a huge classic car show, arts and crafts booths, live music, street dances,
Balloon Glow at night in a reflection pond, food court, chalk drawing contest,
kids corral, beer and wine garden, wine stomp, Volksmarch, running race, bicycle
race and more. And this all happens in the best weather in the state - Sequim,
Washington.

September
Roy
Pioneer Rodeo. Downtown Roy, Washington -
Held in June (and September) the Roy Pioneer Rodeo
features an Old West flavor. At the Roy Pioneer Rodeo,
there are bucking broncos, homemade sweets, bake
sales, a cowboy breakfast, a spaghetti feed dinner,
and evening country dancing, all in the country town
of Roy, just south of Tacoma.

September
Classical
Tuesdays in Old Town Chamber Music Series
2010 marks the sixth year for Classical Tuesdays in
Old Town that are held each September, October,
November and December. Tacoma's Old Town Business
& Professional Association presents an outstanding
chamber music series on the second Tuesday of each of
these four months. These live concerts are held in the
beautiful setting of the grand old Slavonian Hall
located at 2306 N. 30th Street. Innovative programming
features some of the Pacific Northwest's finest
classical musicians. Under the leadership of
Artistic Director Pamela Ryker, this popular series is free and open to the
public.

September
Decibel
Festival - International Festival of
Electronic Music Performance, Arts and New Media. Held
annually in September in Seattle's Capitol Hill
District. This festival reflects the burgeoning
audience and growing interest in this adventurous
multimedia world. Decibel Festival features more than
75 electronic music artists from around the world,
presented in 17 individual performance showcases
spread out over four days. As part of a new visual
arts focus, Decibel will host talented visual artists
throughout the weekend which will culminate in
DB-Optical, a multimedia fusion of installations and
live art. Decibel will happen on eight stages
throughout the event with several showcases dedicated
to emerging performers and DJs. Genres accepted
include: Electronica, Downtempo, Electro, Techno, Tech
House, Experimental, Ambient and Electro Pop. Decibel
is a four-day, multiple venue, community music and
arts festival exposing the Northwest to both the
international and regional electronic music scene. A
goal of the festival is to educate and entertain
through workshops, seminars, open discussion, venues,
sound, riveting performances, interesting visuals, and
a diverse selection of quality electronic music.

September Kittitas
County Fair. Held at Ellensburg. From the first
organized Kittitas County Fair in 1885 to the modern
five day event held each Labor Day weekend, the fair
has always been about agriculture. From its inception
by local farmers and ranchers the fair has showcased
the best that Kittitas County has to offer. With the
building of the rodeo arena and the first permanent
buildings on the fairgrounds in 1923, the beginnings
of the permanent location for the combined County Fair
and Rodeo took hold. Now, each year, as in 1923,
agricultural exhibits and competitions, a four day
rodeo and a gathering of Yakama Indians takes place.
The fair has something for everybody! Whether
you are a kid or a kid at heart, the Kittitas County
Fair has special attractions to celebrate the history,
heritage, and culture of the county. Want to step back
in history, dance under the stars, or hob-knob with
the clowns? There is plenty going on at the Kittitas
County Fair. Frontier Village - Step through the
gates of this turn-of-the-century town and visit
homesteaders from Cooke Canyon, the blacksmith, the
sarsaparilla saloon keeper, and the schoolmaster. Meet
Betty Kelley, manager of the General Store and fill
your pockets with penny-candy or a big fat pickle.
Don’t forget to try your luck by panning for gold
with Marv at the old mine shaft. Everyone can be a Tom
Sawyer or Huck Finn in Frontier Village.
Heritage Center - The Center Association launches new
displays and improves the Heritage Center each year,
pivoting on the historical importance of mining in the
region. Kids Town - Kids come first at the
Kittitas County Fair. Nestled between the Rodeo South
Grandstands and Frontier Village is an exciting
entertainment center just for kids. That’s where
you’ll find Let’s Pretend Wild West Show and Linda
Hulet’s Silly Staff Production of Kids Town. Face
painting, bean bag toss, hula hoops, kiddy shows, and
much more! Pee Wee Rodeo - Grab the bull by the
horns; throw a leg over the stick horse and ride –
it’s Pee Wee Rodeo time for tots. Kids show their
“tough stuff” in the make-believe rodeo arena in
front of the big Coke Stage. Every kid contestant is a
Rodeo Star – yahoo! Beer and Wine
Exhibit - No need to travel to the south of France –
visit Kittitas County Fair’s beer and wine exhibit
located in the Armory near the 8th Avenue entrance
gate. The exhibit celebrates Washington’s
contribution to the wine and beer industry. Collect
educational material on how to brew beer or age wine.
Visit the tasting corner to sample local wines and
beers (must be 21 years of age). And while you sip
your wine, take time to listen to musical
entertainment scheduled throughout the day. And More.

September Freemont
Oktoberfest. Held in the Freemont District of
Seattle. Historically, in old Germany, the brewing
season began with the fall harvest of barley and hops
and any beer left at harvest time had to be consumed
before the new beer arrived. September was designated
as the time to drink-up all of last season's beer. It
officially became Oktoberfest in 1810, when Ludwig I,
the Crown Prince of Bavaria declared a 16-day
celebration in commemoration of his wedding. According
to Fremont advocates, since most of us have to work on
Monday and cannot party for 16 days, they invite
everybody to experience how the Fremont Oktoberfest
squeezes 16 days into one unbelievable weekend. The
Fremont Oktoberfest will fire up the chainsaw, turn up
the high-energy and tap over 50 distinct Northwest
Microbrews in the beer garden. Additionally, there
will be an Urban Carnival with classic carnival rides
for both adults and children. Long standing
Oktoberfest favorites will return as well. Live music
is scheduled on two stages. There'll be the Microbrew
Garden, the Brew-ha-ha 3 Mile Fun Run and a wide
assortment of local arts and crafts, imported
treasures, and festive treats as well as traditional
German food. And everyone's favorite… the Fremont
Arts Council once again brings us their Annual Texas
Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest. This is just one
more event for you to squeeze into your summer fun.

September
Central
Washington State Fair. Held in Yakima. In 1892 the
first fair was held in Yakima. Previous to this time
the entire State of Washington had been in an uproar
trying to decide on the location of the State Capitol.
On February 16, 1892, the Legislature made its
decision and Yakima received the nod for the State
Fair and Olympia retained the title of Capitol City.
Agricultural exhibits, Indian races, war dances,
coyote hunts, harness races, and horse races began to
take hold. Starting in 1925, harness races, horse
races, and automobile races were the feature
grandstand attractions. Fireworks displays were always
popular for the night shows. A great many free acts
were brought in to fill in the lull between the
ever-popular horse races. Since the first Fair was
held in 1892, throughout its history, when the Central
Washington Fair Association was incorporated in 1939,
and continuing to this day, the purpose of the
Association has remained steadfast -- to hold an
annual fair and to promote and develop agriculture.
The annual Fair is truly a showcase of agriculture --
with the world-renowned Grange displays, all forms of
livestock, horticultural displays, farm equipment --
and the fastest-growing agricultural commodity for the
Yakima Valley -- wine and wine grapes. The Fair, of
course, encompasses all the attributes that make it a
fair -- every imaginable kind of food, exciting
carnival rides and games, entertainment to satisfy
every age group, exhibits of all kinds, cutting-edge
technology displays -- all showcased on the beautiful
135-acre park-like fairgrounds.

September
Rainier
Mountain Festival. Held annually at Rainier Base
Camp, Ashford, the third weekend in September. Event
highlights include: World Class Climbers
-- Mingle, ask questions, and get autographs from
mountaineering legends such as Ed Viesturs, Jim and
Lou Whittaker, Jim Wickwire, Dave Hahn, John Roskelly
and many more. In 2004, over fifteen Everest
summiteers attended the event. Trail Run
at Rainier -- Five mile trail run starting in the high
foothills of Mt. Rainier. Trail is hilly at times and
located directly behind the festival grounds. This
course can be run or walked. Alpine Games
-- Compete for cash prizes in mountain events such as
Ice Climbing, the sled pull, Erect-a-tent and Speed
Bouldering. Mountain Technique
Demonstrations -- Get helpful hints from Mountain Pros
from fitting a backpack, Ice Climbing, boot fitting
and other great tricks of the trade. Book
Signings -- Famous climbing authors, when on-site,
will sign copies of their books. Raffle --
Over $10,000 worth of gear will be raffled off with
all proceeds going towards The Washington National
Park Fund. Films and Slideshows --
Personal video and slide presentations by
mountaineering legends such as Jake Norton, who found
the long lost body of George Mallory high on Mt.
Everest in 1999. And countless others.
Salmon Bake N’Brews -- Join us for our all-day
Salmon feast. The menu includes wild salmon, bake
potato, lots of veggies, salad and bread. Quench your
thirst with an ice cold ale or soda pop.
Music -- On Saturday come and be entertained with live
music starting on festival grounds at around 4:00 PM
moving to the local watering hole at around 9:00 PM.
Kids Games -- Great fun for kids. There will be a free
rock wall to climb and have fun with, ice climbing
demo’s for kids of all ages and an inflatable bounce
house. It's all fun and it's all free!

September
Ellensburg
Rodeo. The Ellensburg Rodeo...The Tradition Lives
On! Started in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo is one of
the top rodeo events in the nation, and is held in
conjunction with the Kittitas County Fair on Labor Day
Weekend. The Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the "old
rodeos." It has earned its place as one of
America's Top 25 professional rodeos. Started in 1923
with the same volunteer spirit that still "fuels
the fire" of today's volunteers, the rodeo has
grown from a local competition among ranch hands to
the Professional event of today with over 500
contestants and prize money in excess of $250,000!
Today's best riders, ropers and wrestlers compete in
what many consider to be the best rodeo arena in the
nation. The Friday night opening performance starts in
the evening and ends under the stars. The Saturday and
Sunday afternoon "perfs" feel electrically
charged by the brilliant blue sky. It all leads up to
the Labor Day Monday Championship Finals... the best
of the best dueling in the dirt! Surround all this
with the fun of the Kittitas County Fair, the old-west
hospitality of the City of Ellensburg, and you can
understand why in Ellensburg, it's "More than
just your average rodeo."

September
Puyallup
Fair. The Puyallup Fair (officially known as the
Western Washington Fair) is the largest single
attraction held annually in the state of Washington.
The Fair continually ranks in the top ten largest
fairs in the world. The Western Washington Fair
Association hosts two annual events, the 17-day
Puyallup Fair every September, and the four-day
Puyallup Spring Fair every April. Situated south of
Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic
Mount Rainier, the Fairgrounds comprise 169+ acres,
with buildings and land valued at more than $54
million. The facilities are available for rent during
the year, making the grounds a valuable community
resource. A staff of 55 works year-round. Over 1,900+
employees are hired each September during the Puyallup
Fair. The mission of the fair is to respond to the
communities' needs by producing a dynamic Fair, in a
year-round facility, that serves an ever-expanding
circle of peoples. The Fair will showcase excellence
in the traditions of the Past, the products of the
Present and the vision of the Future in the areas of
Agriculture, Trade and Industry. Values are placed on
Family, Fun, People, Learning, Entertainment, Safety,
Financial Strength, Responsiveness, Cleanliness and
Flexibility. Come and enjoy!

September
Pike
Place Market Buskers' Festival. A
"busker" is a street performer and the Pike
Place Market has a long tradition of being friendly to
street performers. Dating to 451 BC Rome, buskers, or
entertainers, have performed for the public masses and
receiving "tips" by the populace by them
throwing coins to the performers for their
"wares." Later, King Henry VIII of England
ordered the licensing of “beggars who could not
work, as well as pardoners, fortune tellers, fencers,
minstrels and players.” Later, British law regarded
street performers with, “Cripples, blind men, old
men, women, children, sweepers, match girls, sham
watermen, fishermen, and gardeners” as people for
the police force to “Watch,” which basically
implied that it was alright to harass them. Indeed it
would seem that, throughout history, buskers have been
pushed to the fringes of society, by the very society
they seek simply to entertain. Even today, it is
illegal to busk in most major cities, all over the
world. Yet people continue to sing, dance, juggle,
draw, act, paint, sculpt, and prestidigitate on the
streets and sidewalks, willingly risking punishment
(albeit less violent than in times gone by) for the
pleasure and entertainment of passersby, and a coin or
two. So the next time you see street performers,
carrying on the great and ancient occupation of
busking, remember the history they carry, and the risk
involved, and remember to toss a buck or two their
way. Now, apparently in an organized fashion,
Seattle's Pike Place Market offers to refine the
profession of busking.

September
Port
Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. The Port Townsend
Wooden Boat Festival is the premier annual celebration
of wooden boat enthusiasts in North America. There are
hundreds of boats & expert demonstrations,
activities for the whole family. Its mission is to
celebrate and preserve traditional maritime skills,
heritage and culture through education and community
participation. It is the largest gathering of wooden
boat enthusiasts on the West Coast and premier
festival of its kind, this three-day educational
celebration should not be missed by the true boat
enthusiast. Over 100 finely crafted wooden boats are
displayed in the water and on land. Workshops,
lectures, demonstrations, regional music, food and fun
for the entire family. Proceeds support the Wooden
Boat Foundation's mission.

September
Bumbershoot:
The Seattle Arts Festival. At the Seattle Center,
Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot explodes with music,
film, comedy and a heck of a lot more. It made its
debut in 1971, and is one of the country's largest
urban arts festivals. And with hundreds of artists of
all kinds performing today, it's a sensory overload.
And each and every Bumbershoot features at least one
"act of absurdity" to help kick things off
and keep things rolling. It began at a fertile time --
during the arts explosion of the 1970s that gave rise
to such institutions as the Pilchuck Glass School,
Northwest Folklife Festival, Linda Farris Gallery and
the Empty Space and Intiman theaters -- and is now so
ingrained into Pacific Northwest lifestyles that it is
just about THE thing to go to EVERY YEAR. As a
Bumbershoot spokesperson states:
"Bumbershoot fits the personality of this city so
well because people here are curious and engaged and
they come to the festival to sample."

September
Washington
State Autumn Leaf Festival. Held in Leavenworth.
"Bavarian Harvest Time." Since 1964, Washington State Autumn Leaf Association has
presented the Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth,
which is situated on the eastern slopes of the Cascade
Mountains. It is a non-profit organization and all
volunteers work year-around promoting our Bavarian
Village. Celebrate the area's spectacular fall
foliage! Enjoy the Grand Parade at noon on Saturday.
Continuous entertainment, food booths and activities
for the whole family.

September
Seattle
Fiestas Patrias. Celebration of Mexican
independence, held at the Seattle Center, along with the independence of
other Latin countries, Seattle Fiestas Patrias
celebrates with an annual Fiestas Patrias.
Entertainment and cultural displays by artists from
countries such as Peru, Honduras, Argentina, Mexico
and Columbia offer an authentic look at a culture
where countries share language, food and sounds, but
have very distinct traditions. Of course there will be
Mariachi, fabulous costumes and satisfying food -
favorites among the festival goers. Seattle Fiestas
Patrias is produced by the Seattle Fiestas Patrias
Committee and Seattle Center's Festal. Seattle
Center's Festál is a year-long series of world
cultural events that honors the richness and diversity
of our region. Festál plays a vital part of Seattle
Center's role in connecting our dynamic and varied
community. The collection of events is produced by
Seattle Center and individual cultural organizations.

September
Italian
Festival. The largest Italian-American event in
the northwest, featuring music, dance, and theater
performances, food, plus a bocce tournament, grape
stomping contest, children's puppet show, and film
festival. Held at the Seattle Center. Fiesta Italiana
is a series of events held the last week of September
which culminates in a major Italian Festival at
Seattle Center. For over 15 years, Festal Italiana has
celebrated the cultural roots of Italians and
Italian-Americans by presenting and promoting the
arts, the food and the spirit that are uniquely
Italian. Highlights include a free all-ages concert
and dance, plus cooking demonstrations by Seattle's
leading Italian chefs. In addition, there is a wide
array of cultural and educational opportunities in
which to participate but as always, the main
attractions continue to be food, entertainment and fun
for the whole family! Learn culinary secrets from the
masters at the "Great Italian Chefs" cooking
demonstrations outdoors in the piazza. Explore the
Bocce Tournament -- now indoors and on three courts --
this is the Italian version of lawn bowling that is
one of the fastest growing sport in America and one of
the most popular events at the festival. Explore the
Grape Stomp -- jump in with both feet and make wine as
they used to in the old country. Team competition and
a chance to win great prizes! Click here for Grape
Stomp information. Come for the Food - Stay for the
Fun!

September
Westport
In September. All during the month of
September, there are activities galore in Westport. Come check ‘em
out. There’s an annual seafood festival, a world famous oyster
feed, a Washington tuna classic, a huge blues festival, a
boat basin salmon derby and an art show & wine tasting
event, plus loads of other stuff to go to. Check ‘em out.

September
Korean
Cultural Celebration Held in September.
Ch’usok or Harvest Festival Day is one of the great
holidays of the year in Korean culture. On this day,
feasts are prepared, families hold memorial services
at ancestral gravesites, and full-moon viewing takes
place in the evening. This Korean holiday is
considered not only the most generous in spirit, but a
day of thanksgiving for a good harvest. As on Lunar
New Year’s Day, families come home from all across
the country to celebrate together. Traditionally, new
clothes were worn, but today people dress up in
customary Korean dress, such as the han-bok. Ancestors
are remembered with wine, newly harvested chestnuts,
jujubes, persimmons, apples, pears, and songp’yon,
half-moon-shaped rice cakes. New Year’s Day
activities and games are also popular during Ch'usok
when the weather is good and, according to the Korean
saying, “The sky is high and the horse is fat.”
The Korean Cultural Celebration is produced by the
Korean American Art & Cultural Association of the
Pacific Northwest and Seattle Center's Festál.

+++++

October
Steilacoom
Apple Squeeze. Attending this annual event
in October, you will experience old-fashioned presses
squeezing apples into cider in Washington State’s
oldest incorporated town. You can bring your own
apples to squeeze. Various apple delicacies are for
sale, such as fresh apple pie and apple butter. You
can also visit the 1895 Bair Drug Store, which
features a 1906 soda fountain. While you are there,
don’t forget to visit the historic Town Hall Museum
and Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum.

October
City
of Fife Harvest Festival. Held
annually in October, the event begins with a parade
from Fife City Hall to Dacca Park. Festivities include
entertainment and family-friendly activities including
local organizational informational booths and vendor
& food booths. Entertainment will include live
music, a Native American dance group, a Mexican dance
group, a fire dance and a martial arts demonstration
and will conclude with a fireworks finale at
approximately 8:30 PM. For the children, there's
face painting, a magician, clowns and various other
activities and games.

October
Tacoma
Greek Festival Held annually in
October, over a three day weekend at St. Nicholas
Greek Orthodox Church. Over the years, stewardship
alone has not provided sufficient funds to support the
church and all of its expenses. Tacoma's annual Greek
Festival has evolved from a tiny bazaar by a few
dedicated ladies to a large festival, staged by
members of St. Nicholas with the help of friends and
welcoming guests from around the Puget Sound region.
Each year the parish selects an overall chairperson
and chairs for each committee. It appears that all of
Tacoma looks forward every year to this event. Each
year, there are exquisite pastries, salads, gyros,
music, Greek Folk Dancing, imported goods, beverages,
calamari, coffee, a raffle, and Greek folk dancing in
colorful costumes in additional to a Children's
Corner, and more....

October
Oktoberfest
Northwest Puyallup Fair Grounds,
Puyallup, Washington. The first annual Oktoberfest
Northwest took place October 6-9, 2005 at the Puyallup
Fairgrounds, bringing German culture and entertainment
to Western Washington. Nearly 15,000 festival
attendees enjoyed German music and dancing, arts and
crafts, authentic cuisine and family activities over
the four days of the event. The event kicked off with
the Tapping of the Golden Keg by Festmaster Bob
Carlson on Thursday evening, which was attended by
almost 4,000 people and filled the Festhalle
Biergarten. Thousands more braved the uncertain
weather to come out and celebrate Oktoberfest
throughout the rest of the weekend. The Bavarian
Brewer’s Band from Germany was a huge crowd
favorite, playing polkas and dances that energized the
Festhalle Biergarten Friday, Saturday and Sunday
nights. The Schaefer Brothers Band and the Greg Meier
Bavarian Quartet were also big hits, getting the crowd
on their feet and even involving over 1,000 people in
the Chicken Dance at the same time! Festival-goers
also enjoyed the Scandinavian Heritage Festival, which
paired with Oktoberfest Northwest and showcased
Scandinavian foods, music and crafts. Event producers
have received much positive feedback on this
first-time event and plan to make Oktoberfest
Northwest an annual tradition.

October
Leavenworth
Oktoberfest Celebration. Held in Leavenworth. A
German tradition from the old country with great
German bands in the Festhalle, lots of food, and a
traditional parade! Two Weekends of Fun-Filled
Activities. Leavenworth invites you to celebrate with
them at their Annual Oktoberfest. Leavenworth,
"The Bavarian Village," is the ideal setting
for you and your family to enjoy a great tradition.
There will be continuous live music featuring music
groups from Germany and Austria plus German groups
from the US. There will be German food & beer,
Kinderplatz- "For Kids Only," Arts and
Crafts, Traditional Biergarten, Used Bavarian Clothing
Sale, and more. Celebrate in Leavenworth, the ideal
setting for you and your family to enjoy the great
tradition of Oktoberfest!

October
Cranberry
Harvest Festival. Held in Grayland every October,
it has recently celebrated its 12th Annual Cranberry
Harvest Festival. (The Historic Grayland Community
Hall-located a country block off of SR Hwy 105, on
Grange Rd., in Grayland. (Approximately 25 miles south
of Aberdeen) Celebrating
the harvest of Cranberries is a tradition going back
almost 100 years. At the Historic Community Hall you
will find local crafts featuring, of course, the
Cranberry, in food, drink, and decoration. At the
Cranberry Heritage Museum you will find cranberry and
area artifacts galore. Don't miss the Annual lighted
"Firefly Parade" Saturday evening. This
annual event is sponsored by The Cranberry Coast
Chamber of Commerce. Highlights of the
Cranberry Festival include: Jog the Bog,
Cranberry Pancake Breakfast, Cranberry Bog Tours and
Furford, Cranberry Museum Tours, Cranberry Cook-Off,
Cranberry Market Place, Lighted Firefly Parade,
Growers Big Berry Contest, Bite Of The Beach,
Children's Games, Inside and Outside Vendors, Live
Entertainment, Quilt Show, Dueling Fiddlers, Meet The
Royalty .(Royal Blossom (Berry Young); Royal Berry
(Berry Ripe) and Royal Crasin (Berry Old)

October
Wild
Mushroom Festival. At Long Beach, Seaview, Ilwaco,
and other locations, the annual Wild Mushroom Festival
kicks off in October and runs through the end of the
month. As part of the festival, participating
restaurants, inns and bed and breakfast establishments
will offer daily wild mushroom specials. Wild mushroom
workshops, field excursions and prix-fixe dinners will
also be offered.

October
CroatiaFest
Held in October. Experience the treasures of Croatia -
breathtaking landscapes, music, art, history and
folklore during CroatiaFest at Seattle Center. From
the cosmopolitan 1000 year old capital of Zagreb, the
city of history and legends, to the port city of
Split, home of Diocletian’s Palace, on the Dalmatian
Coast; from the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, the
“Pearl of the Adriatic”, a favorite of the rich
and famous, to the sixteen Plitvice Lakes, one of the
most beautiful natural wonders in the world,
CroatiaFest invites you to discover Croatia, one of
the last undiscovered treasures on earth.

October
Dungeness
Crab & Seafood Festival Port
Angeles. The Festival is located at the Port Angeles
City Pier and the Red Lion Hotel, at the foot of
Lincoln Street, and overlooking the Strait of Juan de
Fuca, with Victoria, B.C. just a ferry ride away. This
waterfront park is a welcoming haven to boaters and
visitors and a great place to enjoy the view and salty
fresh air. In the main tent, you'll find an
old-fashioned Crab Feed complete with large kettles of
fresh crab, tender oysters, sweet mussels, and
succulent clams. Wild Northwest salmon will scent the
air. There will be wine tasting by award-winning local
wineries, a beer garden, live music, and cooking
demonstrations, activities for kids, marine and
agricultural exhibits, and more.

October
OysterFest.
West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship and Washington
State Seafood Festival, held at the Mason County
Fairgrounds in Shelton. Heading into its 25th year.
OysterFest is held annually on the first full weekend
in October. The word is, that during OysterFest, the
Mason County Fairgrounds is a great place to be. With
the help of nearly 100 community organizations,
Skookum Rotary stages it's annual small town, BIG
event! The gates are open from 10am to 6pm each day;
you are invited, and the Rotarians hope to see you
there! The Pacific Rim Oyster Open Speed &
Half-Shell Oyster Shucking Contests are the
centerpiece of the festival. Two other Open events are
the Art and Photography Competition and the Seafood
Cook-Off. Free entertainment is on-going. Wine tasting
is provided by several Washington State Wineries and
the Microbreweries certainly know how to do their
thing. Not to mention the food venders -- none of whom
may duplicate another's delicacy. Our advice-Come
Hungry! The Fairground is located on Sanderson Field,
1/2 mile north of Shelton, west of US Highway 101.
Many folks with private aircraft fly in for the event,
park their planes and walk or ride to the Fairground.
Skookum Rotary Club contracts for the Free Shuttle
Service with Mason County Transportation Authority.
Free parking areas and pick-up points are located at
the Shelton Civic Center, Shelton Yacht Club, Olympic
College, Shelton High School, the Port of Shelton
property adjacent to the Olympic Air facility. It is
recommended that you consider the Port of Shelton
satellite parking area which is reached through the
Main Entrance to the Port of Shelton. (The Port
entrance is about 3/4 of a mile north of the
Fairground Entrance, both of which are on US Highway
101. Also, the Port Entrance has a left turn lane in
this stretch of the highway for Northbound traffic.)

October
Dia
de Muertos. Offering a warm, bold and electric
cultural experience, the annual Dia de Muertos
Celebration at Seattle Center is as relevant today as
it was a millennium ago, the holiday pays tribute to
ancestors while celebrating one's own mortal
existence. Altars, artwork, food and music are
prominent, but music and dance are hardly an
afterthought. Performing artists, both local and
visiting, offer exceptional talent, both traditional
and contemporary, representing countries throughout
Latin America. Artwork depicts both heritage and
vision. Candlelight graces altars adorned with
vibrantly colored artwork and personal artifacts for a
deeply moving, visually compelling, experience. This
celebration is produced by La Casa de Artes and
organized by dedicated community members who work
countless hours, dedicating their ideas, creativity
and hands-on work. They do so because they believe
it’s vital to show the depth of their culture and
their many traditions.

October
Issaquah
Salmon Days Festival. "Salmon Days --
Celebrating the annual return of the salmon to our
streams and hatchery!" The Issaquah Salmon Days
Festival, presented by the Issaquah Chamber of
Commerce, is the annual celebration of the returning
salmon to our lakes, streams and downtown hatchery.
This two day event held annually the first full
weekend in October draws crowds of more than 150,000
people. Salmon Days features a weekend full of salmon
and free fun, including more than 300 artists, the
Foods of the World, a Grande Parade, 5k and 10k runs,
four stages of live entertainment, the Field of Fun,
and much more. Come see what’s in the water at the
Issaquah Salmon Days. In 1970, the Greater Issaquah
Chamber of Commerce presented the first Issaquah
Salmon Days Festival to celebrate the return of the
salmon to Issaquah's lakes, streams and downtown
hatchery. Since then, the Festival has grown into one
of the Northwest's premier community events. Along
with more people attending, the overall Salmon Days
experience has also grown. Today, more than 300
artists line Front Street and Sunset Way, fifty-plus
food vendors featuring delightful entrees from all
over the world fill Depot Park, the Field of Fun
bustles with excited children and bursts with free
activities for the family to enjoy and three stages
offering live entertainment enchant ears throughout
the weekend. Salmon Days prides itself in being an
event the entire community can benefit from and enjoy.

October
Earshot
Jazz Festival. Seattle's Jazz Festival. The
newest edition of "Seattle's most important
annual jazz event" is shaping up to be one of the
most exciting and compelling ever. From mid-October,
for a couple of weeks, Seattle’s non-profit
jazz-support organization presents hundreds of the
most important artists of our day in more than 50
events in venues all around Seattle. In addition to
concert performances, the festival includes
educational programs and panels, a film series, poetry
and author readings, and a photo exhibit. Earshot Jazz
collaborates with Seattle organizations and
institutions such as: The Central District Forum,
Consolidated Works, Kirkland Performance Center, The
Triple Door, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Seattle
Chamber Players, and Town Hall Seattle. Earshot Jazz
also joins the Seattle Mayor’s Office of Film and
Music in dedicating a 12th and Jackson Historic Jazz
District. For over 16 years, Earshot Jazz has been
pumping out beat after beat. Some of the projects that
have taken place include: The World Saxophone
Quartet’s Jimi Hendrix Project, "Seattle Jazz
Legends," New Cuban Jazz, Jazz Poetry on Jackson
Street, Solo, presentations by the award-winning
Garfield and Roosevelt High School bands and many
more, including over 100 Seattle resident artists.

October
TurkFest
Held in October. For many centuries, Turkey has been a
mosaic of cultures and a bridge between Europe and
Asia, connecting Eastern and Western cultures, both
geographically and historically. From Hittites and
Assuryrians to Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine
cultures, each civilization has left relics that can
be found in many corners of the country and
represented in its music, dance and art. The annual
Turkish cultural festival presents concerts of
classical and contemporary music, folk dancing, films,
fashion and carpet shows, workshops and more. Produced
by the Assembly of Turkish-American Associations, the
Turkish American Cultural Association and Seattle
Center's Festal.

+++++

November
Classical
Tuesdays in Old Town Chamber Music Series 2010
marked the sixth year for Classical Tuesdays in Old
Town that are held each October, November, December,
January and February. Tacoma's Old Town Business &
Professional Association presents an outstanding
chamber music series on the second Tuesday of each of
these five months. These live concerts are held in the
beautiful setting of the grand old Slavonian Hall
located at 2306 N. 30th Street. Innovative programming
features some of the Pacific Northwest's finest
classical musicians, such as baritone Charles Robert
Stephens, violinists Maria Sampen, Jennifer Caine and
Timothy Christie, flutist Pamela Ryker, cellist Sally
Singer, lutenist Elizabeth Brown and the brass
ensemble Brass Unlimited. Under the leadership of
Artistic Director Pamela Ryker, and now in its fourth
season, this popular series is free and open to the
public. Join us!

November
Ballard
Jazz Festival. Held late November. Formerly an
oddly timed supplement to the Earshot Jazz Festival's
epic three weeks of concerts, the Ballard Jazz
Festival has blossomed into a distinct, down-home
event. Earshot does what big festivals should do —
it explores the outer margins of its stated purview
— while the Ballard Jazz Festival stays closer to
home, booking more local musicians for concerts and
its jazz pub crawl, the Ballard Jazz Walk. It's a
thing that will, typically, stuff 12 groups into nine
venues. This way, instead of staying for a whole set
you can wander in and out of a bunch of venues. You
get a feel for who's doing what and maybe discover a
group you haven't heard before.

November
Hmong
New Year Celebration Held in November. A
well-attended festival by both Hmong and non-Hmong
people, this is the largest of the Hmong New Year
events in the Pacific Northwest. Symbolizing the end
of the harvest, this is the time when Hmong relax,
prepare special foods, and begin courtships. Most
Hmong have been in the United States less than 30
years, and Washington's Hmong population is growing. A
little known culture, the Hmong people most recently
came from the mountain regions of Laos, Thailand and
Burma. Retrospective photo and artifact exhibits tell
the Hmong story, as do demonstrations and hands-on
learning of distinct cultural activities such as
embroidery, basket weaving, and leaf blowing. With no
modern telephones, smitten youth declared their love
for each other by blowing through leaves – an
innovative communication device that carried sounds
across mountaintops! The Hmong, whose written language
was almost lost centuries ago, preserved it through
intricate and vibrant embroidery. This functional art
form is also a significant part of Hmong attire, now
worn only on special occasions but at one time was
part of everyday dress. The beautifully colored,
hand-made costumes are now an integral part of the New
Year celebration, and are seen on stage and off at
this festival. The Hmong New Year Celebration is
produced by the Hmong Association of Washington and
Seattle Center's Festal.

November
Holiday Torchlight
Parade & Tree Lighting. Held in late
November / early December, the annual Tacoma parade is
located downtown and ushers in Santa and the Christmas
season, culminating in the lighting of the city's
official Christmas Tree at So. 9th and Broadway,
downtown. The majestic fir tree is donated annually by
Fort Lewis and its troops who transport it to Tacoma,
a tradition since 1946 recognizing the Tacoma
community's support for the armed forces. November 28,
2004 will mark the start of things in the Stadium
District on Division & Tacoma Ave N down to 9th
& Broadway, Tacoma. Come & watch the festive
parade featuring floats, marching bands, vintage autos
& much more!

+++++

DecemberThe
Tacoma Philharmonic Throughout the
year, The Tacoma Philharmonic enriches the cultural
life of Tacoma by presenting classical music
performances of world-renowned orchestras and artists
otherwise unavailable in the Tacoma area and offers
many unique music education opportunities. Originated
in 1933 by a 21-year old hitchhiker from Portland,
Oregon, Tacoma’s Philharmonic Orchestra has grown
into and become truly "the South Sound Source for
World Class Classical Music." Additionally, the
Tacoma Philharmonic has a Music Education Program that
has been designed to enhance classical music education
for children in Pierce County which provides free
educational programming. It also conducts outreach
activities that reach under-served populations in the
community. With Christmas-time having so much musical
relativity, it is no wonder that this time of year can
be filled with ear-tantalizing splendor. In 2007,
the original group's "12 Days of
Christmas" video became a YouTube phenomenon
with more than 7,000,000 views during the month of
December alone.

December
The
Christmas Revels in the Rialto Theater. Each year at the Rialto
Theater in downtown Tacoma, The Christmas Revels involves 60 to 90 people on-stage,
the heart of which is a large chorus of adults and children (auditioned from
the community) to which is added professional actors, storytellers, singers,
dancers and instrumentalists with each show being professionally lit and costumed.
The Puget Sound Revels incorporated in 1992 and have been producing and putting
on Christmas tidings at Tacoma’s Rialto Theater since 1994. Audiences can expect
a different and new theme from year to year that revolves around the mid-winter
themes of light and dark. Puget Sound Revels’ challenge is to give the
audience that experience while exposing them each year to a different
time and place (i.e. Italian, Nordic, Celtic, American, Victorian,
Medieval, etc). It is dance, drama and storytelling rooted in ancient
seasonal ritual and traditions. It is seasonal, celebratory, and
participatory -- long on theme, short on plot, not a concert, not a play.
The Christmas Revels revives the ancient connection between the community
and the arts, between celebration and the seasons as we create a celebrating
village onstage that ends up encompassing the whole theater. Unique in its
intentional blending of community and professional theater and its blending
of folk and more formal forms of song and dance, the material is ancient,
beautiful, funny and strong and has an unusual way of touching the players
and our large, multi-age audiences.

December
ZooLights.
Each year, ZooLights features approximately a half a
million holiday lights which illuminate paths and
create replicas of 100 animal figures. This event is
held at Point Defiance Park Zoo & Aquarium. Come
and visit and taste apple cider or hot cocoa and
holiday treats of all kinds while listening to live
holiday music.

December
Christmas
at Meeker Mansion. The time-honored Ezra
Meeker Mansion in Puyallup each Christmas is decorated
for the season with special displays. Family fun and
enjoyment on the weekends is available with readings
from Ezra's short stories for children plus planned
special entertainment.

December
Victorian
Country Christmas. A Victorian Country
Christmas Festival is held at the Western Washington
Fairgrounds in Puyallup every December. The
fairgrounds are transformed into a Victorian Village
filled with sights and sounds of Christmas
festivities.There are shops, stores, entertainment
stages, food, music, dance and more. A "living
nativity" scene is also featured, including over
100 singers and dancers. 2010 was the 23rd annual
Victorian Country Christmas Festival at the Puyallup
Fair Grounds and will be held December 1st thru
December 5th.

December
Fantasy
Lights. Each year, Pierce County Parks
& Recreation promotes Fantasy Lights at Spanaway
Park, billed out to be the largest animated
drive-through display of seasonal lights. 2010 was its
16th year. The Fantasy Lights drive-thru runs each
year during December. Visitors viewing from cars, vans
and buses will be treated to thousands of lights and
creative animation that promises to dazzle the eye and
tantalize the imagination of the whole family. This
holiday 2-mile drive-through spectacular features over
200 elaborate displays as part of 60 major scenes in
the park by the lake. Fantasy Lights boasts more than
260 displays along its two-mile route which begins
just west of 152nd St. and Pacific Ave. in Spanaway.
The annual show depicts holiday themes, northwest
traditions and recreational activities.

December
Snowball
Express Christmas Train. Tacoma-Elbe Run -
For an opportunity to experience the Golden Age of
Steam as you chug across spectacular bridges and
travel through lush tall forests, make it a point to
ride the rails of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. All
trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives
departing Tacoma from Freighthouse Square..

December
Festival
of Trees. Usually held in early December,
Festival of Trees is an annual display of decorated
Christmas trees at the Tacoma Dome to benefit Mary
Bridge Children's Hospital. Proceeds benefit Mary
Bridge Children's Hospital's Critical Care Services.
In all, the Festival of Trees has contributed more
than $4,200,000 to Mary Bridge facilities.

December
First
Night - December -- Come December 31st, you can
join in on the family-oriented, alcohol-free, New
Year's Eve celebration of the performing and visual
arts in
Tacoma's Broadway Theater District and just way too much more to fit into a few sentences. Celebrate the coming of the New Year. Overcome adversity with grace and strength and land on your feet. Buy a button. Volunteer. Bring a friend. But most of all, fully involve yourself, family and friends in a spectacularly and meaningful start to the New Year. Please check out First Night's website at
www.firstnighttacoma.org
for updates and more.